AUSTRALIA - AVERAGE EARNINGS AND LIVING COSTS
At the moment 21% of the new arrivals in Australia are British. Here is a quick guide to average earnings and living costs. All amounts are in British Pounds Sterling.
Average Weekly Earnings Public Sector 572
Average Weekly Earnings Private Sector 523
Income Tax Rates Starting 15%
Basic 30%
Higher 40%
Average Home Price 197,000
Mortgage Rate 8.77%
Weekly Housing Costs 85 per household
Petrol .70 per litre
Public Transport 2.80 average
Private Schools 7,800 - 10,000
Private Medical Insurance (family of four) 64 per month
Average Cost of a Meal Plus Wine 37 - 46 for two
Supermarket Wine 9 - 14
Supermarket Shop Average Family of Four 70-92
Tax on Purchases GST 10%
RELOCATING TO AUSTRALIA - HEALTH SERVICE
For those of you who are relocating to Australia you will find it has an excellent public and private health service. Medicare is the Australian Government’s health scheme and it gives you basic health cover for treatment at any public hospital and free or subsidised treatment from a GP and some specialists
If you are a permanent Australian resident you are eligible to join Medicare. In cases where your country of origin has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia you will have restricted access.
To receive your Medicare card you need to go to your nearest Medicare office with your passport or travel documents and enrol. If you qualify you will be sent your card and number. You can get further information ( in various languages) from the offices.
If you are having a baby, permanent residents must apply for Medicare. You will also need a GP. If you don’t have a recommendation from friends or relatives try the local Yellow Pages. Hospitals with a Maternity Unit can be found at:
http://www.bubhub.com.au
Australian hospitals are willing to give a tour to expectant mums so you can check it out and see if it is offering just what you want in the way of treatment both before and after the birth.
If possible bring any info from your previous Hospital or GP.
AUSTRALIA - THE FISHERMAN’S DELIGHT
Posted by Roy
The East Coast of Australia and the city of Cairns in tropical Northern Queensland attracts both tourists and anglers from all over the world. Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the area is renowned for fishing, diving, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Calm water (Rivers and Estuaries), Beaches and Reef Fishing are all available in this part of Australia, as well as pelagic (open sea) Game Fishing, which is considered the most exciting and demanding of them all.
For Game Fishing, the waters around Lizard Island in the north and off the coast in the south of Queensland are the home of the Giant Black, Blue and Striped Marlin and two types of Tuna. In September, the female Marlin arrive from the Pacific Ocean to spawn, feeding on a plentiful food supply provided by the waters around the Great Barrier Reef and the Continental Shelf. Modern, well equipped and custom built boats are available to take you out for the experience of a lifetime. Trawling whole fish as bait you could find yourself trying to stay hooked into one of these speeding monsters and experience the fishing thrill of a lifetime.
Reef Fishing, although not as wild and exciting, is fun for anglers of all ages. The mass of coral around the Great Barrier Reef, provides shelter and food for an amazing collection of fish. The technique, searching the deep holes around the many reefs, using heavy hand lines is known as “Bottom Bouncing” or ‘Bottom Fishing.” Among the species to be found – many of which are culinary delights – is the Coral Trout, a beautiful fish, coloured bright red and covered in brilliant blue spots. The Red Emperor which is a sporting fish and provides a good fight. The Scarlet Sea Perch or Large Mouth Nannygai is commonly found in northern reef waters. The Sweet Lip is a bottom dweller, identified by a bright orange throat and can reach 9Kg in weight. Finally, the largest of the Wrasse group is the Maori Wrasse which can exceed 100 lbs.
Near the centre of Cairns is Trinity Inlet, an estuary providing some of the very best
Calm Water Fishing. This huge tidal basin has 90 Km of waterways surrounded by rainforest, mountains and has one of the world’s most interesting ecosystems – the mangrove swamp. It is also home to the saltwater crocodile which is possibly the last example of a dinosaur. The tidal nature of this area with tidal height and varying flow presents a challenge for the keen fisherman on when and where to fish.
Trinity Inlet is also a Fish Habitat Reserve which means that it is a prime fish breeding and nursery area. Water temperature determines which species are most prevalent. In December, summer species include barramundi, mangrove jack and fingermark whereas queenfish, flathead, cod, bream and grunter appear in the cooler months. An interesting site is an old WW2 Submarine Boom situated across the entrance to Cairn’s Harbour which has become a natural reef and a great fishing ground.
Tropical North Queensland has some of the finest natural scenery to be found anywhere. Near Cairns, several rivers rise in the Northern Great Dividing Range and flow through rainforests to the Coral Sea. These tidal systems offer River Fishing opportunities with their sand bars, rock holes and weed beds. The cooler months see flathead, bream whiting, salmon and cod, with the barramundi spawning in the summer together with mangrove jacks and fingermarks. In the upper, cold water reaches, you can catch black bream, the rare jungle perch and the small Australian tarpon.
Northern Queensland offers unique and exciting fishing adventures on a World Heritage site, magnificent and diverse scenery and a complete range of water sports. The climate in this area of Australia is great all year-round and where else could you sunbathe on a golden beach after an exhausting battle with a giant Marlin.
ECO TOURISM - TURTLE WATCHING IN AUSTRALIA
Posted by Roy
For a fantastic Eco Tourism opportunity why not go Turtle watching in Australia.
You can watch these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Turtles have been around for more than 150 million years, surviving long after the disappearance of dinosaurs.
Six of the seven better-known species inhabit the waters off the east coast of Australia – mainly around the Great Barrier Reef which in itself is a World heritage site.
During the months of November to March, turtles return to nest on the same beaches each year, build their nests and lay up to 300 eggs a week. Sadly, about 15-20% of the young turtles, although reaching the sea, will not survive to adulthood. The eggs hatch about 6 weeks after being laid and the tiny, baby turtles scramble down the beach to reach the ocean. These flatback, green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles will return again the following year and the cycle repeats itself. Most of the action takes place at night and you will be able to watch the females laying eggs and later in the season the young hatchlings emerging for the stampede to the water. There are strict rules of behaviour which must be observed so that the nesting and hatching are not disturbed. Nobody seems to mind being quiet as they are all too awestruck to speak anyway when they watch the little hatchlings pelting down to the water.
An additional bonus is the sight of Humpback whales, as these mighty denizens of the deep pass the Reef on their way to Hervey Bay
The Bundaberg Coral Coast, in North Queensland, is considered the best area to witness the unique activities of the turtles. The Mon Repos Beach outside of Bundaberg is probably the largest turtle rookery in the South Pacific. Turtles may also be seen resting on the beaches of the islands of Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave, which are located in the Great Barrier Reef itself.
Bundaberg is considered the gateway to the Barrier Reef and is a city of 50,000 people on the Coral Coast. It has wonderful unspoilt beaches at Elliot Heads, Innes Park, Bargara and Burnett Heads and the area boasts 15 National Parks with an abundance of wildlife.
This must be a unique Eco Tourism and Adventure Holiday which few people will have witnessed. Well worth the trip “Down Under” for a great holiday and for some Turtle watching too.
CHRISTMAS IN SYDNEY - 5 FREE FUN EVENTS
Posted by Sunny
This Christmas if you are heading down under to visit the family try and spend a few days in Sydney, Australia. They have a number of free fun events planned for the Christmas Season.
1. The Christmas Celebrations begin with the Children’s Christmas Concert and tree lighting in Martin’s Place. The tree is an impressive 20 meters tall, beautifully decorated and the lighting will be switched on by the Lord Mayor. There will be a number of entertainers, a choir and of course Santa Claus. This is followed up by a spectacular fireworks display.
2. If you want to see a truly Australian Christmas watch the projections on the Town Hall in Sydney. Every night until the 25th of December there will be a free slide show projected onto the Town Hall.
3. Another free entertainment is the Village Family Christmas Concerts. Take a picnic and enjoy bands, Christmas Carols, Entertainers and of course Santa will be calling in too. There will be competitions for the kids and some real cuddly animals to pet.
4. While in Sydney get a copy of the City of Sidney’s Christmas Map. It will take you on a guided walking tour of Sydney and all the free Christmas events, Christmas trees, decorations, concerts, floral displays, carol singing, entertainment and much more.
5.Finally if you are in Sydney on the 31st of December watch the world renowned fireworks display to welcome in the New Year. What a fabulous way to end 2007 and welcome in 2008.
So if you are in Sydney this December have a wonderful time both you and the kids at the free fun events planned for the Christmas Season this year.
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF - ADVENTURE HOLIDAY
Posted by Sunny
One of the world’s greatest natural wonders the Great Barrier Reef is perfect for an adventure holiday.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world, roughly parallel to the coast of Queensland, Australia, for almost 2,000km.
The waters of the Reef provide the world’s busiest and most varied marine habitats. There is an abundance of Marine life here, 2800 species of fish, 400 different types of coral, 400 types of molluscs, 500 species of seaweed, 215 species of birds, 15 species of sea snake and 6 species of sea turtle.
That is why some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world can be found here. Also, because they have such great weather in the area you can dive here virtually 365 days of the year although the best times are from October to December. January to March can be rainy not that it matters much if you are getting wet anyway!
In the area of the Great Barrier Reef you can get many adventure holidays. Scuba and Diving Holidays are the obvious but there are also Safaris and Jungle Tours, Skydiving, Bungy Jumping, White Water Rafting Holidays, Horse Riding Adventures, Rain Forest Hikes, Hill Climbing, Parasailing and the all important Surfing.
So if you are the great outdoor type and into adventure holidays try the Great Barrier Reef for the ultimate Adventure Holiday.
RELOCATING TO AUSTRALIA
Posted by Sunny
More and more people are relocating to Australia. It is an expensive and complex process for many people. I have been researching the requirements for those wishing to immigrate and this is the best information I could find. Sorry it is incredibly long but there is an enormous amount of info to cover. As with all our travel advice seek professional guidance before choosing to relocate to any country. You will probably need expert advice to help with your own financial circumstances and to assist you with the move. There are a number of relocation companies available. Take the time to research the companies thoroughly so that you have a good and reputable advisor.
The Australian Government sets a yearly target for intake within a variety of areas: skills, family, refugee/humanitarian. This balance is influenced by population and skills trends. At the moment there is a shortage of skilled workers and an ageing population so fewer families are being accepted and more skilled workers are being accepted.
So do you qualify for immigration to Australia? Which class should you apply under? What conditions do you need to satisfy? We hope the following answers your questions.
Australia grants permanent residence visas under four main streams; Skills, Family, Business and Humanitarian. Under each stream there is a range of visa classes and the key is to select the right class according to your personal situation, or you can apply for a Temporary Residence Visa .
SKILLS
The skilled stream is divided into several classes including the Skilled Independent class(the most popular class, sometimes known as the ‘points system’) and the Skilled Australian-Sponsored class. To qualify, you or your partner must be:
- Under the age of 45.
- Proficient in English.
- In an occupation on the ’skilled occupation list’ (a list containing literally hundreds of approved occupations. You can see this list at www.dimia.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1121i.pdf)
- Have at least 12 months (24 months for some occupations) of recent work experience.
If you meet the minimum criteria, you will be then be subject to a points test, you need to gain enough points to achieve the automatic pass mark.
You are granted points for your qualifications, work experience, occupation, age, English language ability, occupation targeting and spouse’s skills (qualifications, age, work, English).
Additional points are available if you have studied or worked in a skilled occupation in Australia previously, if you have AUS$100,000 to invest in Australia, if you are fluent and qualified in one of the languages of the country’s major trading partners or ethnic groups.
The main thing is yours or your partners occupation. You or your partner must have recent work experience in one of the occupations on the Skilled Occupation List.
Qualifications relevant to your occupation are also important, with most degrees and higher trade certifications from recognised tertiary institutes meeting the requirements, providing you have 3 years post secondary school study. An exception to this rule is made for certain trades people and IT professionals who do not possess formal qualifications. For them their work experience will help them to obtain industry certification in Australia. Some professional occupations requiring professional registration (for example, dentists, nurses and physiotherapists) may need to apply for registration or meet specific requirements before submitting a residence application.
Additional points are awarded if you have a qualifying family sponsor in Australia (parent, non-dependent child, brother, sister, aunt or uncle), this means that you can apply under the Skilled Australian-Sponsored class or the Skilled-Designated Area Sponsored class, depending on the location of your sponsor. If you succeed under this class you do not need a pre- arranged job.
If you fail to meet the pass mark, but meet the minimum requirements and have a family sponsor and assurer (including first cousins or grandparents) living in a designated area (mainly the areas outside Sydney, Melbourne and other selected cities), you may be able to qualify under the Skilled-Designated Area Sponsored class.
Skill Matching or the State Territory Nominated Independent classes are options for those applicants who intend to reside in a certain region of Australia and have an occupation in demand.
Further opportunities for regional migration are available under the Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) visa. Migrating to Australia under the SIR visa involves a two-stage process, whereby successful applicants initially receive a temporary visa valid for three years. Sponsorship by a State or Territory Government is required to obtain the initial visa. SIR visa holders can apply for permanent residence in Australia after a period of two years’ residence in regional Australia under the State/Territory Nominated Independent (STNI) on-shore visa.
Employer Nomination and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme can be considered by applicants who have been offered a highly-skilled job that cannot be filled by an Australian.
FAMILY
This category is for those persons who can be ’sponsored’ by a relative or interdependent partner who is either an Australian citizen, a holder of a permanent residence visa or an eligible New Zealand citizen aged over 18. If your partner is an Australian, you must be married or in a stable, de facto relationship (common-law) or interdependent (same-sex) relationship for 12 months or more to qualify for residence.
You can be sponsored if you are a spouse; fiancee; child/adopted child; parent; orphan relative; special need relative; aged dependant relative; or last remaining relative of a qualifying sponsor who is resident in Australia. Certain conditions apply.
BUSINESS
There are three main options: Business Owner, Investor Class and Senior Executive Class, plus a number of less popular classes. If you own and operate a business and possess total assets of at least A$500,000, you can consider an application under the Business Owner Class.
Under this class, the process is essentially divided into two stages: provisional (four years) and permanent.
Applicants must possess net assets of at least A$200,000 in a qualifying business with an annual turnover of at least A$500,000, for at least two years of the four years immediately prior to applying. Applicants must be under 45 years of age. You must prepare a viable, well-researched Australian business proposal and have past relevant management experience, and an overall successful business career. Once approved, you will receive a four-year provisional visa to travel to Australia in order to establish or purchase a business enterprise.
You must have carried out your intention to take up an ownership interest in a qualifying Australian business. For 12 months immediately before applying, you must possess net assets of A$100,000 in that business, a turnover of at least A$300,000 and overall net personal and business assets in Australia of at least A$250,000.
Furthermore, your Australian business must have employed at least the equivalent of two full-time employees who are not members of your family. Applicants aged between 45 and 55 years or those not meeting the above financial thresholds can consider an application under the Business Owner (State Sponsored). Under this class, applicants must apply and be approved for sponsorship with one of the participating State or Territory Governments.
Most significantly, the financial requirements are reduced under this class. Applicants are required to have had an ownership interest in a business with a lower annual turnover of a $300,000 in two of the last four years, or a sound continuous business employment record in a senior management role for at least four years.
You must also be under 55 years of age and possess total personal and business assets of at least A$250,000, plus sufficient assets available to settle in Australia. Furthermore, it is necessary to reside in your nominated state for four years in order to be approved for a permanent residence visa.
Under the Investor Class, applicants must have possessed a net worth of A$2,250,000 for at least two fiscal years immediately prior to applying. Of this amount, applicants must be prepared to invest A$1,500,000 into Australian State treasury bonds for at least four years. The investment is Government guaranteed and interest is paid on the investment. Applicants must be under 45 years of age.
In addition, applicants must have owned and managed a business or had a direct involvement in managing eligible investments, and are required to meet a range of financial/ownership thresholds.
The investor class allows for the granting of a four-year provisional visa, after which time a permanent visa can be applied for once investment criteria have been met. Applicants aged between 45 and 55 years or those not meeting the above financial thresholds can consider an application under the Investor Class (state sponsored). Under this class, applicants must apply and be approved for sponsorship with one of the participating state or territory governments.
Most notably, the financial requirements are reduced under this class. Applicants are required to possess a lower net worth of A$1,125,000, of which A$750,000 must be invested for four years. Under this option, it is necessary to remain in your nominated state for four years in order to be approved for a permanent residence visa.
If you are proposing to establish a business in Australia that your sponsoring state or territory government has determined is of exceptional economic benefit, then you can consider an application under the Business Talent class, providing the set financial criteria are met.
All applicants are required to satisfy health, character, police and credibility checks, and a range of other criteria.
Source of this great info: www.migrationnews.com
The most reliable source for information on how to migrate, what documentation is required and which visa to apply for can be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs http://www.immi.gov.au, or through an Australian embassy or consulate closest to your country of residence.
The process of being granted a visa to immigrate to Australia can take anything from six months to over a year. It is a complex process and you will be required to pay fees. So do not give your notice at work or sell your home until your application is approved.
Be aware that there are significant costs associated with migration. When you apply you will need to pay the relevant migration application charge which is not refundable if your application is unsuccessful. You will also need to pay for a medical examination for each family member included on your application, and additional costs such as obtaining a character clearance, or the cost of a certified translation of some documents (qualification certificates, diplomas etc.). If your application is successful, you will need to pay for your travel and relocation costs that could be quite substantial. You will also need money to start your new life in Australia.
In Australia, all migration agents must be registered with The Migration Agents Registration Authority http://www.themara.com.au.
If you would like to ask some general questions and begin some general research on migrating to Australia, visit
Australian Government (Choose Migrants) http://www.australia.gov.au
Immigration Portal http://www.immigrationportal.gov.au
Migration Institute of Australia http://www.mia.org.au
Immigration Lawyers Association of Australasia http://www.ilaa.asn.au
Immigration Advice and Rights Centre http://www.iarc.asn.au
Austimeline http://www.austimeline.com
This has been the longest article yet but for those hoping to relocate to Australia I hope it is of help and that the other web sites mentioned can help with any more detailed questions you have.
RETIRING TO AUSTRALIA
Australia is a very popular destination for retirees but now the option to do that is limited. The previously available Retirement Visa ceased in July 2005, and was replaced by the Investor Retirement Visa. It is a temporary entry visa and does not lead to permanent residence in Australia or to Australian citizenship. To apply for an Investor Retirement visa you must be 55 years or older, have no dependants other than your spouse, and be able to support yourself in Australia without any cost to Australia’s social and welfare services. You will not be covered by Medicare or any other social security benefits. You will need to hold private medical insurance for the whole duration of your visa, and will be allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week.
You must have sufficient capital to transfer to Australia. You will also need to be sponsored by an Australian state or Territory. Before applying for the visa we advise consulting a currency and investment expert in your own country and in Australia. Also to get the visa, you will need to have a medical and character clearance from your home country.
Helpful website:
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/retirement/overview_invest_retire.htm
EMPLOYMENT IN AUSTRALIA
The Australian Government website http://www.immi.gov.au/work/index.htm provides comprehensive information on the various categories and requirements under which you can work in Australia.. If you are thinking of relocating to Australia and working I would check this out first. You can also check: http://www.immi.gov.au/settle/work/employment.htm, it has information on how to find work, who can help you, where to find work, the necessary qualifications and skills and finally how to apply for a job if you should see one you like. Another good site is for various categories of job seekers http://portals.dewr.gov.au/toolboxes/ and is produced by the Dept. of Employment and Workplace Relations
One of the most important factors for finding work in Australia is your ability to speak English. If you do not speak English as your first language join one of the Government’s Adult Migrant English Programs listed on
http://www.immi.gov.au/amep/index.htm
Of course it helps if you have the necessary qualifications for the job you want. It will be easier if you are British as the links between the two countries are close and qualifications are usually recognised. For anyone else thinking of relocating to Australia consider updating your skills by obtaining an Australian qualification. At least check if your qualifications are recognised by the Australian Government before you go. If not contact Universities and see first if you can get credit for at least part of your degree and if you can continue your studies.
National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR)
http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
http://www.workplace.gov.au/tra
Make sure you take all your relevant certificates, proof of qualifications and if you have any, take references from past employers. For those of you not from an English speaking country get your documents professionally translated.
To make things easier on yourself consider working in smaller towns or cities where your particular skills would be more likely to be welcomed. Remember just because you were the greatest back home at your particular job, doesn’t mean your skills will be recognised or appreciated here. Remember they don’t know you here. You must build up their trust, you must make new contacts, you must get the word around that you are here - qualified, looking to work, ready, willing and able. Be prepared to drop down the ladder a bit just to gain valuable local knowledge. You may have to be prepared to work your way up again to the position you held back home. Once you have that local knowledge you can apply within your present company or perhaps try for something better elsewhere.
In Australia and many other countries for that matter presentation and grooming are very important. Also Australians like a positive attitude. Ask about local customs in the area you chose. . If they like a hearty handshake then make sure you have one. If they have a strong work ethic go with it. If they like to get together in their free time join in.
Most of all be open minded. Just because you did a particular job back home doesn’t mean you have to stick with it. If retraining for something else is available try it if it is something you could be interested in or good at. Look for jobs outside your usual field of work if you think you have the necessary skills. Also there may be jobs that don’t even exist in your home country so consider them in your new one.
If you don’t have any luck finding a job try the local Yellow Pages. You will probably find Private Employment Agencies. Also make use of friends and relations in Australia. Ask around and get them to ask everyone they know. You never know what might turn up.
EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA
In Australia responsibility for education is divided between State, Territory and Federal government. The education system is divided into preschool, primary school, high school/secondary colleges, career and vocational training and university or other tertiary education. The emphasis is on self-discipline, learning by finding out and questioning, and encouraging a child’s interest and enthusiasm for learning. Most schools have a parent/teacher association playing an active role in school life. They help by raising funds and they may even have a say in what is taught at the school.
Schooling is compulsory in most states and territories until the age of fifteen. Most students stay at school until they complete Year 10 qualification (School Certificate approximately 16 years of age), and an increasing number of students stay to complete their Year 12 studies (High School Certificate or International Baccalaureate at approximately 18 years of age.
There are both Public and Private schools and of course distance learning is necessary in some areas of Australia. Education at public schools is (almost) free, with most schools charging a small annual fee to cover extra activities, school building funds (tax deductible) and library costs. Parents will also have to purchase some books and uniforms, and pay additional fees for excursions and camps.
Private schools are usually administered by the Catholic Education office or other religious groups. Private or independent schools set their own fee structure and receive a subsidy from both Federal and State governments. Some private schools are either all-boy or all-girl schools.
Helpful sites: http//http://www.immi.gov.au/settle/education/system.htm#Public
http://www.newcomersnetwork.com
http://www.isd.com.au
http://www.thegoodguides.com.au
http://goingtouni.gov.au
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