How easy is it to set up your own business in Australia?

Question

What sort of paper work is required at a State and/or Federal level? What sort of costs are involved for registering a company or as a sole trader?

melbournite · Answer

I've just been through the process of starting a company in Victoria. I did it through my accountant and it cost $850 all up to establish a private company limited by shares. There are no doubt cheaper ways to do it but that was a reasonable cost to me given that I didn't have to do anything other than sign a few declarations etc.

It took two weeks all up doing it this way. Check out http://business.gov.au for further info about starting a company in Australia.