What this class covers
ANZSIC class 5700 is for Australian businesses whose main activity is creating and distributing content exclusively via the internet. This includes publishing text, broadcasting audio, or streaming video content that is of general or specific interest to an online audience. A key defining feature of this classification is that the business does not produce a traditional, non-internet version of this content, such as physical newspapers, magazines, or broadcast television signals.
This classification is used by government agencies like the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for collecting economic data, and by businesses themselves for registration, reporting, and industry analysis. Common examples include a digital-only news website, a company that publishes online magazines or journals, a business that produces and hosts podcasts, a platform for streaming original video series, or a publisher of digital books, directories, or encyclopaedias accessible online.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class are primarily engaged in:
- Publishing books, magazines, journals, or news articles on the internet.
- Creating and broadcasting audio content, such as podcasts or internet radio.
- Producing and streaming video content online.
- Publishing reference materials like online dictionaries, encyclopaedias, or directories.
- Publishing other content like digital art prints, atlases, or greeting cards online.
Exclusions and nearby codes
It is important to note what is not included in this class. Businesses that provide the underlying infrastructure or platforms for online activity are classified elsewhere.
Providing internet access or operating web search portals (like search engines) is classified in ANZSIC 5910 Internet Service Providers and Web Search Portals. Companies that provide internet streaming services or web hosting for other businesses fall under ANZSIC 5921 Data Processing and Web Hosting Services.
If a business publishes content using both traditional methods (e.g., print) and the internet, it is generally classified in the appropriate class of Subdivision 54 Publishing (except Internet and Music Publishing) based on the main type of product. Furthermore, businesses that primarily perform another service (like travel bookings or stock brokerage) over the internet are classified according to that primary activity, not as internet publishers.
Practical guidance
When registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN), you will be asked to describe your main business activity. The corresponding Business Industry Code (BIC) for this class is 57000. Using the correct code ensures accurate industry data collection and can be important for tax purposes, though it does not directly change your tax obligations.
For workers' compensation insurance, your state or territory authority will use your industry classification to determine your premium rate. Operating in internet publishing typically places you in a low-to-medium risk category, but you should confirm this with your insurer. When applying for certain business grants or programs, your ANZSIC code may be used to assess your eligibility based on industry.
Always ensure your business description and selected codes accurately reflect your primary revenue-generating activities, as misclassification can lead to incorrect reporting. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) uses this information for high-level industry analysis.