CONTRACT FAQ

Q: Do they auto-deduct tax ...
 A: Normally tax, super etc are your responsibility now 

Q: I expect I don't get sick/rec/longservice/etc leave ... and that you don't get paid for public holidays etc... but how do you organise time off (e.g. if you are sick, or need a few hours to get the car fixed etc) ? Is it basically the same as permanent - but you don't get paid ?
A: yes you just request/take time off and don't invoice them for those hours. You should check your contract though for what sort of absences might impact your compliance with the contract.

Q: What is an accepted ratio of permanent to contract hourly rates ?
A: this is really up to you. Whatever you think you need to earn for a living, or what you think your skills are worth. Again this is a good reason to use an agency as you will gain some understanding of the market rates. If you Google around or search this forum there are a couple of formulas people recommend. 
you should be aiming for 1.5x your hourly rate to cover anual leave, sick leave, public holidays... This is only if your going via a rec agency... if yout doing it totally independant you should be seeing 1.75 - 2x as much to cover all those expenses.