Harvey can probably be more specific as I'm just a dirty foreigner, but I believe you need to have a Tax File Number, which is the equivalent of a SSN in the States.
So basically, incorporate in Australia or get a working visa, enter the country and apply for your number then leave.
They do check if the ABN/ACN is valid, yes. It can take up to a few hours for them to do, but I know for a fact they check them.hmm... wonder if melbourneIT checks the validity of these or if I can find the syntax, pop one in and hope for the best.
Harvey can probably be more specific as I'm just a dirty foreigner, but I believe you need to have a Tax File Number, which is the equivalent of a SSN in the States.
You need a TFN as an individual to apply for an ABN. (That of all the directors of the company)You really are Hannah Montana! You don't need a TFN, you just need an ABN (for a business) or ACN (for a company). The TFN is seperate and only required for companies because they submit their own tax returns. You can register a business name (and get an ABN) for $125, I don't know how because I usually just email my accountant and he does it.
To the OP, you could try looking up an existing ABN and just submitting that. Set the contact details to the same as the ABN holder and once it's gone through, change it to your normal details - or leave it for a sort of 'private registration'.
You need a TFN as an individual to apply for an ABN. (That of all the directors of the company)
I know this for a fact, as my husband's in the middle of doing it for one of his companies right now.