Moving to Australia - Australia's Health Care System

Medicare – Australia's NHS

If you are moving to Australia, organising your health care is of major importance and one of the first things to organise on arrival, is to register your family with the local Doctor. Then you should register yourself and every member of your family over 14 years of age, with the Australian National Health Subsidy Scheme called Medicare.

Medicare works in a similar way to the UK’s national health service. It is subsidised through taxes and the taxation levy is means tested, so the more you earn, the more you pay. Medicare subsidises services and the cost of any prescription medicines bought from pharmacies across Australia and it also provides free treatment in public hospitals. Medicare provides free or subsidised payments to health professionals for specific services, the aim of the scheme being to provide affordable and accessible treatment to every Australian resident.

To avail yourself of this treatment, you must already be living in Australia and have an Australian bank account. You need to fill out the Medicare enrolment application form which can be downloaded from the Medicare Australia website.

Private Health Insurance in Australia

Aside from this public health scheme there are also countless private health schemes available and since the medical care provided by the state is limited, many people choose to take out the own private healthcare insurance as well.

Private health insurance is available for all Australian residents. As a private medical patient you have more control over who treats you, where you are treated and, in some cases, how quickly you are treated, though this tends to apply to elective surgeries only. Another advantage of private health insurance is that you can get cover for some of the things that Medicare wont cover, things like ambulance services, dental work, optical items and physiotherapy. As an incentive to people, to take out private health insurance, the Australian Government pays around 30% of the premium.

The Government is also offering an early start bonus to anyone taking out and sticking with a private health plan, prior to their 31st birthday. Known as the lifetime health cover plan, it rewards these forward thinkers with lower premiums.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Like the other developed countries, the Australian population is ageing. Life expectancy is increasing and the birth-rate is falling as people leave it later in life to have children. People are also having less children than they used to.. These trends lead inexorably to an older population with fewer youngsters with fewer skills. For this reason, the Australian Government is encouraging the migration of young, skilled professionals, especially from English speaking nations.

Health Tests for Those Entering Australia

Prior to them being allowed entry into Australia, some hopeful émigrés must undergo health tests. This applies especially to those looking to go to school in Australia, as well as to those that have HIV or hepatitis B or C. It also applies If you are looking to stay in Australia for more than 3 months or, if you’ve recently come from a country where the occupants are at high risk of contracting TB. You may also be tested if you are a parent sponsored migration applicant and you intend to stay for more than 6 months, if you are 70 years of age or older and if you have an existing medical condition that is likely to require you to visit a hospital or other healthcare site.

About Moving Partnership

At Moving Partnership we provide international removals to Australia at the most competitive rates. Our extensive knowledge of the industry and our partnerships with other removals companies worldwide, allow us to offer customers greatly reduced prices on their overseas removals, whilst still maintaining the highest standards. Whether you are moving from the UK to Australia, from Australia to the UK or between most other European or international destinations, we can help cut the cost of your move.

We will compare a range of removals to Australia quotes free of charge and will find you the most suited removals deal, for your situation. The majority of the removal firms we partner with are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) or FAIM accredited ensuring a high quality, reliable removals service.

International Removals to Australia  - contact us today to discuss your move or click here for a free removals quote .

International Removals to Australia – planning your overseas move

Moving to Australia or any international destination takes a great deal of planning and a lot of organisation to ensure it runs as stress-free and as smoothly as possible. Here is our guide to moving to Australia – to help you plan your overseas house move.

International Removals to Australia – click here for full information on our overseas moving service

Moving to Australia: Obtain Necessary Paperwork

If you are a foreigner planning to live or work in Australia it is likely you will need a visa. The type of visa you require will depend on your personal situation as well as your country of origin.  Australia has several different visa options for UK citizens. Those under the age of 45 may be able to enter with a skilled application visa. To obtain this you need to have a good command of the English language and have skills that are cited on the Employer Nomination Occupation List or Australia’s Skilled Occupation List. This category of visas has a selection of sub categories, either offering permanent or temporary visas.

Another visa type is the employer-sponsored visa which can vary from permanent or temporary visa. After an offer of a job is accepted, the employer must make the application for this. There are also family visas so that children, spouses, parents or other family members can join a permanent resident family member or Australian citizen.

To apply for a visa you must be in good health and sometimes medical tests are required. The applicant must bear their own costs for this.

Choose a Removals Company

This is high priority and should be done as early as possible. It is important to choose wisely – the cost is not the only consideration – it is important that the company offer a high quality international removals service.  Choosing the right removal company can take the stress out of your overseas move and also ensure that your possessions arrive safely, in one piece and at the correct destination. A good international removal company will also anticipate and deal with any pitfalls in advance and assist with paperwork and customs clearance, so all you have to concentrate on is moving in.

To choose a removal company, compare a range of quotes to find the right price and level of service to suit your requirements. It is highly recommended that you budget for professional packing for all overseas moves, so that your belongings are protected during transit. It is also important to take out removals insurance for peace of mind that any damage to your property incurred during the removals is covered. Your international removals company will be able to advise you on your requirements, depending on the amount you are shipping.

MPL can assist you with your move to Australia. Contact us now to discuss your move and we will compare a range of international removal quotes free of charge. Due to our partnerships with removal companies around the world, we can command great reductions on international removal prices and source the right service to suit your individual requirements. Quotes can include any combination of packing, unpacking and cleaning; shipping via 20ft or 40ft container, groupage services or air freight. We will advise on all aspects of your move and the majority of the companies we partner with are either members of the British Association of Removals or FAIM accredited to ensure a high quality, reliable service.

Check Customs Information and What You Can /Can't Import to Australia

Before moving to Australia there are certain customs regulations that you need to be aware of prior to your relocation. Here is a guide to the regulations but please note that these are subject to change at any time so please ensure you check with your international removals company, prior to your departure, so you have the most up-to-date information available.

Current Restrictions

When moving to Australia, foodstuffs are not allowed in your shipment. Restrictions also include the importation of untreated wooden items, skins and feathers and  it is illegal to import furs and tusks from endangered species into the country.

Importing Vehicles into Australia

Before you go make sure your motor vehicle has prior import approval. Motor vehicles include cars, motorised caravans, motorbikes, quad bikes and lawn mowers that you can sit on. They are subject to duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) which depends on the value and age of the vehicle that you have. Vehicles without the necessary approvals could be re-exported, destroyed or the owner subjected to a possible fine.  Vehicles are to be transported with only a minimal amount of fuel in the tank and the wheels and chassis are to be steam cleaned before the vehicle is shipped over to Australia.

Once imported, all vehicles are subject to Australian safety standards and must comply with these regulations.

A vehicle import approval is also needed for trailers, boats and non-motorised caravans, although you do not have to pay duty or GST on these items.

Choose Schools for Your Children

If you are looking for a school for your child, whether you want a government school, private school, co-education, single sex school or boarding school for your child, the good news is that the standard of education is high in Australia.

The teachers provide regular feedback on your child’s studies, homework and education and parents have open access to all information regarding their child’s progress and general well-being.

In order to choose the right school for your child, firstly select the type of education you require for your child, for example day-school, public or private school, boarding or the possibility of educating your child at home. Then search on the internet to find schools in the area you will be living in to see what is available. Think about what will be most suitable for your child, for example the school’s previous academic results, home language support, clubs, sports facilities or music programmes.  Look at its performance in areas that your child does best in, such as languages, art or sport. Consider the size of the school, the number of pupils and the religious affiliation as well as the connection between the school and local community. Also take into consideration the location of the school, transport to and from the educational facility and the cost or difficulty getting there.

Find Accommodation

If you are moving to Australia to be closer to friends or family then you may be able to stay with them in the short term whilst you adjust to your new life. Those moving for work or other reasons however, will need to their own arrangements.

When relocating to a new country, it is wise to choose temporary rented accommodation, in order to get to know your new area and decide where you want to live. By being in-situ, you can get a true feel for the place and decide which area you would feel most comfortable in when it comes to buying a home – whether that is overlooking the beach, in a city location, a quiet suburb or something more remote.

You can find a wide choice rented accommodation in Australia via the internet. Get in touch with agencies in the area you are planning to locate to and let them know exactly what type of accommodation you have in mind.

About Moving Partnership

Moving Partnership provide international removals to Australia. We specialise in high quality international removals for all domestic and commercial moves – to Australia from the UK, back the other way and between most other European and overseas destinations.

International Removals to Australia – featured city Darwin

People have always been drawn to Australia attracted by the better quality of life, pristine beaches, outdoors lifestyle, bustling cities and strong economy. Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory, is the fastest growing city in Australia. It has 127,000 inhabitants and with the average age of the population at 32 years, it is the most youthful city in the country with a distinct positive vibe.

Situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin is Australia’s most northerly capital city. This multi-cultural city is known as the gateway to Asia. It had to be almost entirely rebuilt twice, once after the Japanese bombing raids in World War Two and the second time after Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Day in 1974, which destroyed 70 percent of the town’s buildings and killed 71 people. As a consequence, Darwin is a very modern city.

This article will look at life in Darwin and what it is like to live, work and relax here.

Living in Darwin

Darwin has a superb mix of nightlife, attractions, national parks and gardens, blue waters and stunning beaches. It has similar temperatures all year round, although it does have distinct wet and dry seasons with tropical cyclones and monsoon rains during the wet season which lasts from November through to March.

The city has the highest number of Aborigines than in any other city in Australia, with nearly 10 per cent Aboriginals living here.  More than 50 countries are represented here, although well over a third of the population see themselves as having Australian ancestry and over a quarter have English ancestry.  Darwin is separated from the older part and the newer northern suburbs by Darwin International Airport which also shares a runway with the Royal Australian Air Force. Palmerston is a satellite city near Darwin Harbour which is mainly residential.

Among the wealthiest districts in Darwin are Larrakeyah and Brinkin. The popular suburb of Larrakeyah borders the central business district and is close to attractions such as Mindil Beach and George Brown Botanical Gardens. It enjoys superb views over the surrounding harbour and Larrakeyah Terrace is a pretty harbour front street with an open park. Brinkin is a northern suburb of Darwin situated on the southern end of Casuarina beach.

The central business district has seen extensive billion dollar redevelopment in the Stokes Hill Wharf waterfront area, including a convention centre with seating for 1,500 people and a massive exhibition area, as well as apartments, hotels and public space. The main industrial area is centred around Winnellie, which can be found south of the airport. The largest shopping precinct which can be found in the area is Casuarina Square. Built in 1973, it can be found in the suburb of Casuarina and has major stores represented here as well as 200 specialist shops.

Rural areas include Humpty Doo, Berry Springs and Howard Springs, which have all seen recent population growth. Humpty Doo is a small town south of the Arnhem Highway with a population of 5,500.  New developments in recent years include a new shopping centre, new schools, housing and a fire and emergency services station. Berry Springs is an outer suburban area in Darwin with a low weir across the creek which was originally built as a recreational swimming area for troops in the Second World War and is still used for swimming today. Howard Springs, which is 29 km south east of Darwin’s Central Business District, is mainly rural but has recently undergone a population growth and redevelopment.

Working in Darwin

Australia has good job prospects and is mainly on the look-out for English speaking people who have particular skills. It is currently undergoing a big recruitment drive and if you are on the skills shortage list, if you are of the right age and have the necessary experience, you can stand a good chance of being awarded a visa.  Among the trades on the skills shortages list include plumbers, builders, engineers, miners, painters, decorators, mechanics, as well as those in IT trade and medical professions.

Darwin is an important port town and is continuing to grow due to the exploitation of oil and natural gas from the Timor Sea and ongoing trade with Asia. The United Nations have a big presence here and there is also a large military population in Darwin. Mining and tourism are big industries in Darwin and important mineral resources are gold, zinc and bauxite.  Darwin enjoys year round tourism, which is also a major source of employment, even during the wet season and attracts nearly 1.5 million visitors a year.

By and large Australia has a shorter working week and also enjoys a lower cost of living than the UK so offers workers a better quality of life here with more time to relax...

Relaxing in Darwin

Darwin has a relaxed lifestyle and enjoys a great mix of entertainment, beach life and tranquil beauty spots. Warm all year round, it has many extensive unspoilt beaches including Casuarina beach and Mindil Beach to relax and unwind on. In Darwin you can also take a visit to one of the many parks and gardens which include East Point Reserve, Casuarina Coastal Reserve and the George Brown Botanical Gardens.

The weekly open air markets have a great vibe. They are well worth a visit including the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, which is open during the dry season and has international cuisine, entertainment, local arts and crafts and is popular with performing artists. Other markets include the Parap Market , Rapid Creek Market and  Nightcliff Market. Mindil Beach, near Darwin’s Central Business District, is also host to the main celebrations during Territory Day – this is the only day the government allows fireworks with the exception of Chinese New Year.

The Darwin Cup is a popular horse race event at Fannie Bay Racecourse and among the unusual celebrations to see is the Darwin Beer Can Regatta, where locals race boats made of beer cans.  Darwin also has a thriving nightlife including music and pub scene.  Darwin Entertainment Centre is the principle concert venue.

Moving Partnership Limited offers international removals to and from all parts of Australia, including Darwin. So if you are looking to emigrate or relocate your business, we can help with all aspects of your move.
International Removals to Australia – click here for full information on our overseas moving service

Packing for Your Move to Australia

Moving to Australia or to any other international destination is a huge undertaking and it is essential to plan well in advance to ensure a smooth, stress free move. The first thing to do if you are planning on moving to a foreign country, be that Australia or anywhere else, is to find an international moving company or a company that handles international relocations.

It is possible to find relocation companies or international movers either through recommendation or by researching the internet. Alternatively you could use Moving Partnership Ltd, international removals specialists, who will do all the “legwork” for you. Moving Partnership compare a range of international removal quotes, command excellent discounts and provide a high quality overseas removals service by partnering with FAIM and/or BAR accredited removers.

Removals to Australia - click here for more information on our international removals service.

While you are in the process of getting quotes it is also important to seriously think about what you will take with you. The more you take, the more it will cost, so think of your international house move as an ideal opportunity to declutter! You’ll probably never be in a more ruthless frame of mind than when you’re thinking, “Do I really need to pay money to have this packed and stored and shipped abroad? Is it really that important to me? Furniture can be replaced as can white goods and for what it costs to ship them, you may as well buy new or used when you get to Australia. Cars, unless they are classics can be replaced too. When you think about it, there’s not much that can’t be, beyond those items of personal or sentimental value like photographs, favourite paintings, ornaments, antiques and data on pcs, disk or important paper files.

A good rule of thumb when packing for and international house move, is don’t pack anything you can replace easily. Toiletries, household cleaning products and foodstuffs are generally speaking, inexpensive and widely available. It would therefore cost you more to pack and transport these items than it would do, to buy new on arrival. You can always ask a friend or relative to send you a box of Weetabix or a jar of Marmite if you find you just can’t cope with the Australian equivalents. Weetbix and My Mate may look similar but don’t taste quite the same.

It is important when packing for a international move or any house move or office relocation, to remain in charge of the situation as much as possible. Make sure you are aware of what is going where. Make sure you keep the boxes are clearly labelled with their contents too so you know what goes where at your new home. Also keep a separate list of everything you have packed, so you can check your belongings at their final destination – and quickly determine if anything is broken or missing.

Carry personal items with you in cases. Do not put things like essential medicines, important children's toys, clothing or anything that you may need for work into storage. It may take several days, weeks or months to reach your destination, depending on the mode of transport being used.

What you can and can't take to Australia

When importing goods into Australia there are three headings under which everything is classified;

No Authorisation - These goods can freely be taken with you into Australia.

Restricted Permission – You will need to have written permission in order to import your goods into Australia.

Absolute Prohibition - You are not allowed to import these goods into Australia under any circumstances.

In general, the shipment of household goods and personal affects rarely has any restriction placed upon it. However the importation of seeds and plants may be prohibited under quarantine regulations. 

The importation of dependency drugs like narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, and tranquillisers must be declared to Customs. Drugs of this nature must not be included with the shipment of your household goods and personal affects.

You must also declare the ownership and possession of any firearms and ammunition imported into Australia, including; air, gas, flame and starting pistols and spear guns. All these are subject to import restrictions and will only be released on approval by the Australian police authorities.

Certain items that are considered dangerous weapons are automatically refused entry. These items include daggers, swordsticks, knuckledusters and switch blades or flick knives. Ignorance is no defence, you must read up on what is allowed into Australia and what is not as apprehension in possession of a banned substance or illegal item could jeopardise your residency.

To find out more about which goods are prohibited or restricted entry into Australia, get in touch with Moving Partnership. We are shipping and moving experts and we will help you navigate the moving process – providing high quality, cost effective removals and expert advice for a stress free move.

Removals to Australia  - click here for more information on our international removals service.

Moving to Australia – Buying a House in Australia

If you are moving to Australia on a permanent basis, whether for work, the endless sunshine or to be closer to family or friends, then at some stage you may decide to buy a property. Buying a home in Australia however, is not something you should enter into lightly.  There are major decisions to be made – such as where to buy and what sort of property might suit your needs. It can take a while to adjust to an international move, getting used to the new way of life, culture and dramatically different weather. So many migrants, when moving to Australia, choose to rent for a while in an area they like the feel of, to see if  they feel comfortable. Then once they have settled in to their new life in Australia, they will then go on to buy a property.

As with the housing stock in the UK, there are a number of different architectural styles in Australia that date from separate times in the country's history. Their Victorian era is of course, the same as ours, dating from1840 - 1890 but from then on, things change a little. The Federation Era is relatively short, spanning just 22 years, from 1891 to 1913. Then there came the war years , 1914-1945, the post-war years 1946-1959 and finally, the contemporary years, those lasting from 1960 right up to the present day. Read on for more information on the types of property that were born in the different architectural eras.

Victorian Era 1840 – 1890

Much like the Victorian era in England, Australian houses were built on a grand scale and built to last. You will notice the build style is very similar, if not the same as Victorian houses in England.


Federation 1891 – 1913

Houses built in the Federation Era, tended to be slightly more Asian in appearance. Spires and pitched roofs were fluted with more ornate tiling and this was combined sometimes with mock Tudor décor.

War 1914 – 1945

The war years gave rise to a good many functional rather than pretty or ornate bungalows. During this time, when money and resources were needed to help with the war effort, houses needed to be built quickly, efficiently and cheaply. Less time and money was available for attention to detail.


Post-war 1946 – 1959

Post war building saw the return of 2 and 3 storey homes, less ornate than before but more interesting than those produced during the war years.

Contemporary 1960 – present. This era saw the building of two styles of home. The project style and the custom built style. Project style homes were built to a set plan and the custom built house was built to a unique design.

The process of buying a property in Australia

Houses for sale in Australia are listed with estate agents or sold by auction, as is the case in the UK. Holding an “open house” is a common method of sale in Australia and one that UK home buyers are becoming more  familiar with. What happens is, the estate agent arranges a time with the home owner, usually at a weekend, when the property will be available to view, they then invite any interested parties to view it in that time frame.
A useful suggestion to anyone who is new to the Australian property market, is to spend a few days visiting open homes to get acquainted with the property market in the areas you are interested in.

Having located a home that is of interest to you, it is recommended that you arrange to have a building and pest inspection carried out and a valuation report for mortgage purposes. If the results come through favourably, your next step is to make an offer to the agents or to bid for the house at the auction.

As with the UK, all offers are made via the estate agent who puts them in writing to the owner and while the owner weighs up which offer to accept, the property remains on the market. You may make an offer on a property, subject to the title search coming back satisfactorily or conditional on the valuation coming back OK. If any of the reports do not come back satisfactorily, you are free to withdraw your offer but assuming they come back fine, you will then be expected to pay a 10% deposit and the contract to buy and sell becomes legally binding. The house then becomes yours on payment of the full balance on a specified and mutually agreed date.

The process of bidding at auction on a property in Australia

Most auctions in Australia are conducted with a view to achieving a higher selling price for the owner. Very few Australian property auctions are designed to sell property cheaply, so this is not generally the place to bargain hunt.

Home owners will set a reserve price and if this price is not achieved they will simply withdraw their property from the auction. It is not uncommon, in an auction situation, for the sellers to instruct the auctioneer to bid on their behalf, falsely increasing the sale price.

Auctions may be held at the property itself, during a specially arranged auction day or at the auctioneer’s offices. The successful bidder will be expected to pay 10% on the day and risks losing that money if he subsequently defaults on paying the balance.

It is important to note that in Australia, the conveyancing system differs from state to state. This should always be carried out by a qualified solicitor.

Financing your Australian property purchase

Mortgage money lending multiples vary from lender to lender in Australia with most lenders using your salary level to determine which multiple they will use. The average lending rate stands at 4.5 – 5 times joint pre-tax salary but this does vary so it helps as in the UK, to shop around.


First Home Owner Grant

If you are buying a home in Australia for the first time, you are entitled to the “First Home Owner Grant”. This is a Government grant of $7000 AusD, which is paid directly to the purchaser and does not require paying back. It is not available for land purchases.

Moving Partnership Ltd can assist customers in moving to their new Australian property. If you are moving to Australia and have not yet located a home, then Moving Partnership Ltd can arrange easy access storage for your belongings. Removals to Australia  - click here for full information on our Australia removals service

Moving to Australia – Schools in Australia

If you are moving to Australia with children you will be particularly concerned to find good quality schooling for your young ones and rightly so, it is very important that any disruption be kept to a minimum. The good news is that whether you are looking for government schools, private schools, boarding schools, single sex or co-educational schools, the quality and the standards of education in Australia are very high.

From a very early age students are encouraged to develop communication skills, self-discipline, problem solving abilities and respect for themselves and society as a whole and all schools take their responsibilities to their students and their parents very seriously.

Australian schools are places of growth and this growth is encouraged in all aspects of the child’s life from the personal, to the intellectual, and emotional. The teachers give their charges regular feedback about their studies and homework as well as their behaviour in the classroom and parents are given open access to all information regarding their child’s progress and well-being.

Schools in Australia

Kindergarten

Kindergarten in Australia is also known as Pre-school and it is at pre-school that very young children are introduced to the idea of learning through play. Preschool usually starts one year prior to the time that the children would attend primary school. At pre-schools the children are introduced to a variety of subjects like mathematics, language, science, and social studies. These subjects are touched on in games, music and art to make children aware of the different concepts. These preschools or kindergarten or day care centres also help the children develop motor skills and it is here, as well as at home, where any problems in those areas can be picked up on. Preschool also helps to shape and mould the person, developing their personality and stimulating their mind.

Primary School
Primary schools offer a comprehensive curriculum in a caring environment where young students are safe, happy and actively engaged in learning. Often, specialist programmes may be included in the curriculum such as a foreign language, the visual arts, P.E, any additional assistance and reading recovery if required. Some primary schools have integrated WRAP, the writing and reading assessment programme with its
multi-sensory teaching. This is aimed at providing all children with the skills to read, spell and write successfully. As well as classroom based teaching, many primary schools run school camps, swimming classes and cycling classes. Many hold interschool sports competitions, arrange buddy programmes and put on school productions. Many of them also provide before and after school care programmes and holiday care.

Secondary School

Australia is highly rated for its secondary school education, particularly among international students. The Australian curriculum delivers quality, internationally recognised education, in a safe, comfortable and multicultural environment. Secondary education in Australia provides the skills for your child’s future study, their employment and their future life in Australia or anywhere else in the world.

The secondary school’s national curriculum was developed to ensure high academic standards across the country, so whilst the different states and territories of Australia may have individual systems of secondary education, they all conform to the same high standards required by the national curriculum.

Universities

Studying in Australia at an Australian university or college will open the door to a world of study opportunities that will fill you with knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm. Australia’s higher education sectors offer the complete range of programmes designed to lead to highly regarded and internationally recognised qualifications. Australia is the place to come for a quality education at an affordable price.

Studying in Australia is the perfect way to launch your career. Employment opportunities here open up to those who have degrees from any of the universities, whether it be in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or any of the other higher-education institutions located around Australia.

About Moving Partnership Limited

Moving Partnership Limited can help with all international removals to Australia. We provide high quality international removals for all domestic and commercial moves – to Australia, from Australia and to most overseas destinations.

Moving to Australia – Guide to Working in Australia

For many years Australia has been at or near the top of the list of destinations that people would like to emigrate to. This is due in no small part, to the fine weather, the country’s strong economy and the lifestyle on offer. This means that the Australian authorities can be quite selective as to who they let in.

That said, Australia, like most countries, has a skill shortage in certain fields, so they are actively encouraging applications from people with those skill sets. Assessment of an applicant’s skills is worked out using a points system based on work experience, qualifications and language proficiency.

The Australians play hard but they don’t have it all easy, they also work hard too. Skill sets are highly valued in Australia and well rewarded, so it pays to bring something to the party. The types of job available are wide ranging but they require a level of provable competence and experience.

Visas and Work Permits

To be able to live and work in Australia legally you require a visa and, if you are a UK resident, there are a number you can choose from. The Skilled Visa can be applied for by anyone under the age of 45 who has a good knowledge of English and the skills or qualifications listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list or on the Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List. Within this category, there are several different types of visa: these include; the skilled independent migrant visa, the skilled sponsored migrant visa, the skilled regional sponsored migrant visa and the skilled recognised graduate visa.

None of the above require sponsorship from an Australian based employer. Sponsorship comes into play where the applicant fails to reach the required standard or level of proficiency. In this case the applicant must seek sponsorship from an eligible relative that is already living in Australia.

Another option is to have your employer sponsor your application for a visa. Again there are many different sorts and some are temporary and some are permanent but the most widely used type is the temporary business long stay visa which allows an individual to work legally in Australia for between three months and four years. If subsequently, a permanent visa is granted, the individual and all dependant family members will be allowed to live and work in Australia permanently and receive all the benefits of a naturalised Australian, including subsidised health care and social security benefits.

Finding a Job

Australia welcomes migrants with valuable skill sets and relevant qualifications, but be prepared for a challenge when looking to secure a job here. Don’t imagine that you can simply walk into a position, it rarely happens like that even for Australians but there are a number of things you can do to make your job search and application that bit easier. You can start by having a good look around the Australian job market via the job sites on the internet. This will show you what jobs are available in your particular field and also give you an insight into the various job specs. Make sure your application for a permanent residence visa is in. You will be asked about your residency status and having your visa, or at least being in the process of applying for one is a must. Send off your job applications in advance of coming over, but no more than 3 months prior to your move. Blanket canvas everyone. Apply to as many job sources, recruitment agencies and employers as you can find. You might not land your dream job straight away but it’ll get you a foot in the door. A good source of contacts for this is www.yellowpages.com.au. Look at how the Australians arrange their CV’s and copy their example. Submit your CV with a short covering letter stating that you have been passed eligible for a visa or that you have at least applied for one. If possible, provide an Australian postal address and phone number. This will make it easier and cheaper for potential employers to contact you. When your visa is approved, come to Australia in person, future employers like to meet job candidates face to face and will rarely, if ever employ someone without meeting them first. When attending an interview, have copies of your visas and references to hand. Employers will want to see them and may well take copies for their files and finally, as usual in any interview situation, make a positive first impression and be prepared to be flexible.

Equally, there are a number of things you should NOT do when looking for a job in Australia; Don’t attend job interviews more than 3 months ahead of when you would actually be able to start work. There is no point and employers may look upon this as a waste of their time. Also, don’t expect to be able to walk straight into a position. Be prepared to be flexible and go with the flow. Things will probably be done slightly differently in Australia, even if you are going for a “like for like” position. Don’t expect to go in to a company at the same level you were at back home. You will probably need to assimilate some local knowledge before getting fully up to speed. There’s nothing wrong with taking a step back to ensure the proper advancement later. Don’t expect to be on the same salary package as you were at home. The cost of living is cheaper as is the income tax and don’t expect to land a job straight away.

Skill Shortages

Australia is on the look out for English speaking people with skills. They are currently involved in their biggest recruitment drive for 40 years and they are looking for people across a wide range of skill sets. They have a lot to offer too; a shorter working week (the UK’s is amongst the longest in the world), better weather and a lower cost of living.

Selected individuals are currently being offered a four year state sponsorship with the option to stay on permanently afterwards. The qualifying criteria are that you are under 45 years old and have 6-7 years experience in your trade.

If your occupation is among those listed in their skill shortages list and you qualify in age and experience, you stand a good chance of being awarded a visa. Some of the occupations or trades on the skill shortage list are builders, plumbers, mechanics, engineers, miners, painters, decorators, tilers and chefs. They are also on the look out for anyone in IT and the medical professions. This list is by no means comprehensive and there are lots more vacancies besides and assessments are free of charge to English applicants.

Setting up a business in Australia

Prior to setting up a business in Australia, do your research to determine whether there is a market for your business concept. Give yourself a thorough check up to see if you have what it takes to succeed. Check what  licenses or permits are required to conduct your business, there are literally hundreds of them and you will be at fault if you do not have them in place. Make sure your business is a viable one. Set up cash flow analysis on spreadsheets and work out what your break even will be. Prepare future budgets and write a business plan. The more in depth your plan, the greater chance of success you’ll have. Review your finances and make a habit of doing this regularly. Consider your sources of finance, try to keep your capital in place and borrow sufficient funds at the right rates.

Decide upon the business structure, bear in mind that whilst a sole trader structure is the easiest to start, the owner, i.e. you, are liable for all the company’s debts. In a partnership situation, each of the partners is jointly liable. This encourages the partners to pool their resources in everything from buying stock to recruiting as it is in their collective interest to get it right. Setting up a limited company with any number of shareholders is more expensive in the short term but may well be worth doing since it protects the shareholders from any personal liability down the line. It is a good idea, if going down this route, to seek the professional advice of accountants and lawyers. One of the most common business set up practices in Australia is to buy a pre-existing, off the shelf company. You can also set up a trust, again, you will require legal assistance here.

Having decided on the type of business you want to set up and its structure. It is then necessary to look at its high street positioning, visibility and access arrangements If yours is a business that relies heavily on footfall traffic then a busy high street location is essential. Equally important might be the provision of parking for customers who visit by car.

If you are leasing your business property, ensure the lease is properly scrutinised by a qualified individual. A poor lease can lead to the failure of a business. Again seek professional advice here and make sure that there is sufficient provision in the lease to ensure that a) You have the time to make your business work and b) There are no restrictions to your essential business practices.

Check with the local council for any Health Department requirements or plans for roads or any other impingements that may impact on your business. Also check with your accountant and the tax office as certain by-laws affect business, particularly those run from home and if you run a business from your home you may be liable to capital gains tax.

Now comes the time to register your business. You only need to register your business if your business name is different to your own name. For example the name John and Sarah Smith does not need to be registered whereas the name J and S Garden Services does. This is because the name J and S Garden Services can be used for marketing purposes.

Under the headings of taxation and insurance, there are many laws. It is a complex area and varies wildly from business to business. The best broad stroke advice is to maintain accurate financial records and seek professional legal advice when approaching these topics. Insurance brokers will often provide a broad range of services to businesses and in many cases, a one-stop shop for all your insurance needs. Many of them will also negotiate on Monthly premiums.

If you are going to be employing staff in your business, be selective and informative at the interview and job offer stages. Make sure both you and your employee know what to expect and what will be expected of them. Provide a written job description before employees start work and make sure that they understand what is expected of them in the workplace. Ensure you know their rights as well as, if not better than they do. Ensure you obtain all the relevant information from Department of Productivity and Labour Relations and Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare regarding their hours, holidays, leave and superannuation entitlements and that you are up to speed with all the safety legislation. Do this and you will reduce the likelihood of any claim for unfair dismissal, should the applicant prove to be not up to the job or any claim against levels of pay and working conditions.

About Moving Partnership Limited

Moving Partnership Limited can help with all international removals to Australia so, whether you are looking to move to Australia on a temporary work visa, looking to emigrate to Australia with the family or relocating as a company, we can help with all aspect of your move.