Is the Australian immigration process fair

While many governments around the world which have talked about and introduced skills led immigration policies there can be few as rigid and as stringent as that seen in Australia. The skilled migration program has caused controversy and appreciation across the world in equal measures but is it fair?

At this point in time there is a ceiling of 133,500 immigration visas per year which includes both the skilled migration program and general applications. However, as a consequence of the current economic situation around the world and in Australia in particular the Australian government has recently tightened the criteria for migration into the country with the balance in favour of skilled workers who are needed by companies in the country.

What is the benefit of tightening the criteria now?

Like all developed countries around the world there has been a significant increase in unemployment throughout Australia as the worldwide economic slowdown continues to impact on many individual countries. There is now a need to ensure that Australian nationals are given the opportunity to take up new employment positions where possible without having to compete against those from foreign lands.

However, by tightening the criteria for skilled workers to be fast tracked through the immigration system the Australian government is ensuring that the economy is as well-positioned as it can be when the recovery finally comes. This mixture of ensuring Australian nationals have access to new employment positions while also allowing overseas visitors to take up positions which cannot be filled naturally is the best case scenario for the Australian economy.

Has Australia always had a skilled workers immigration policy?

The truth is that Australia has for many years fast tracked those applications from workers who offer specific skills and specific experience which may be lacking in the Australian economy. However, the last couple of years have seen a number of employers complain that many skilled workers were being placed in the ever-growing queue of those looking to move to Australia and the Australian economy was losing out. This is the reason why the criteria has been tightened and those who apply for employer-sponsored visas are in an even better position for a successful result.

Is it right to sort immigration applications on skills?

When you consider that the current Australian population are the ones who have paid taxes for years and continue to finance the economy it makes sense that they should have first refusal on employment positions they may be able to cover and have the necessary skills. There is little point in allowing those from foreign lands with no defining skills which they can put into the economy to enter Australia at the expense of those who can “pay their way”.

The more general immigrants who visit Australia with nothing to offer and limited employment opportunities the greater the pressure on the country’s social services and public services to the detriment of natural Australians. Whether this is illegal or morally correct is debatable and opens the argument as to whether any country in the world should be able to pick and choose who enters the country and on what terms.

Adelaide City Guide

Adelaide is a coastal city of the state of South Australia that is bordered on the west by Gulf St. Vincent. It is on the south by the Fleurieu Peninsula and on the east by the Mount Lofty Ranges. As you can imagine, these neighboring natural features make Adelaide a geographically diverse city.

This makes it an ideal starting point for a wide variety of nature tours, as well as offering many attractions of its own as well.
Residential Places in Adelaide

Adelaide has attracted a steady influx of visitors over the years, many of whom are drawn to the laid-back atmosphere and easy access to a wide range of cultural and leisure spots in the city, which range from pristine beaches and rolling hills, to charming cafes and fine museums.

Living in the heart of the city puts you right in the middle of the action, although apartment rental prices will obviously be a little bit higher. Recent ads for a one-bedroom apartment in North Terrace and a similar apartment in Frome Street for example, listed prices at AUS$400 a week. For this price, you can expect the construction to be top notch and the views excellent. The North Terrace apartment even offered amenities such as an indoor heated pool, a spa, sauna, a steam room, plunge pool and a gym.

In contrast, a townhouse over at King William Street was recently listed at AUS$360 per week, and it comes with 2 bedrooms, a double garage and a balcony.
Hospitals and Universities of Adelaide

The Royal Adelaide Hospital or RAH is the first hospital to be built in Adelaide, having been founded in 1840. It is still around to this day and is one of the major hospitals in the city, as well as serving as the teaching hospital of the University of Adelaide. There are two other RAH branches in the suburbs that specialize in specific health care services: the Glenside Campus Mental Health Service and the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre in Northfield.

In addition there are three other large hospitals in the city, namely: The Women’s and Children’s Hospital on King William Road in North Adelaide, which has a total of 305 beds, the Flinders Medical Centre in Bedford Park, which has 500 beds, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woodville, which has 340 beds.

In June 2007, the government announced plans to build a new 800-bed hospital that will take the place of the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Known all over the world as a ‘City of Education’, Adelaide has a proud history of educational excellence as evidenced by the many public and private schools in the city. Adelaide has one of the highest numbers of schools that offer International Baccalaureate Diploma Programmes in the country, and three of South Australia’s universities can be found here. These are: The University of Adelaide, The University of South Australia and The Heinz School Australia.
Commercial Places in Adelaide

Adelaide’s Mediterranean-style climate, with its characteristic hot and dry summers, is ideally suited to that particularly Mediterranean pastime: al fresco wining and dining. You will notice that there is an almost European air to the city, and the great importance that the local residents place on enjoying their food and wine–outdoors more often than not–does nothing to dispel the comparison.

Shopping is an equally rewarding pastime in Adelaide, with the Norwood district offering some particularly interesting gems. Magill Road–with its dazzling array of antique shops–and The Parade–a vibrant strip full of cafés and pubs and bookshops–are certainly worth a look, but save some cash for the Orange Lane Market. Held every Saturday and Sunday, you can browse through a wide selection of books, knick-knacks and new and used clothes here and you’ll be sure to walk away with something uniquely memorable for very little money.

If you have a bit–or a lot!–more money to spend, check out Unley Road for even more antique shops and a wealth of elegant boutiques that tend towards the upper end of the price scale.
Service Establishments of Adelaide

Different companies are responsible for providing each particular aspect of the gas and electricity supply services in Adelaide. Generation of electricity is handled by TRUenergy, while the transmission of electricity from the generators to the distribution network is handled by ElectraNet SA. ETSA Utilities (which was previously a government-owned company before being privatized in the 90s) is tasked with distributing electricity from transmission companies to end users, while gas and electricity retail services are handled by AGL.

A lot of effort has been made in the reinforcement and maintenance of existing electricity supply network in recent years, in order to ensure a continuous and stable supply.

The majority of the city’s electricity supply comes from a gas-powered plant at Torrens Island, which is operated by TRUenergy. Some of it is provided by power stations at Port Augusta and Pelican Point and by various connections to the national grid, and there is also a small amount provided by wind turbines located on Sellicks Hill. The city is currently assessing the further viability of wind-derived energy with the installation of more turbines on certain city buildings.

The government-owned company, SA Water is primarily responsible for supplying water throughout the entire city. It draws this supply from the reservoirs Happy Valley, Mount Bold, Millbrook, Myponga, South Para Reservoir, Little Para and Hope Valley. Increased water demand in recent years has necessitated the pumping of additional water from the River Murray.

Canberra City Guide

Canberra is the capital city of Australia. It is the largest inland city in Australia and is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital territory.

Canberra is a city that is a marvelous study in contrasts, characterized as much by urban modernism as it is by lush green surroundings. Abundantly blessed with endless stretches of stunning coastlines, Canberra is also the setting for many majestic peaks, of which the Snowy Mountains are the most well known. Located in the northern section of the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra offers a wide range of activities, many of which are centered on its natural attractions. This is to be expected given the city’s many outstanding natural features. In addition however, Canberra also offers a wealth of more urbane cultural and leisure activities owing to its many museums, galleries and historical landmarks.

There is also no shortage of restaurants, nightclubs theaters and other entertainment establishments in the city. As for the shopping, Canberra can more than hold its own with the world’s largest cities in this respect, with plenty to offer whether you are seeking the finest in haute couture or are looking to go bargain hunting.

The beauty of Canberra was described by a post in the Australia Expat Forum last February 15, 2008:

canberra has best roads/cheaper parking as federal govt used to pay for it all and less people to compete with.but cold in winter as on an inland plateau and near snowy mountains.also most recreational parks per resident of all oz cities. good cultural things parliament house national gallery,museums,universities,lower land and house prices than sydney and melbourne although rising now.
man made lake with scenic 17km cycle track around it .
3 hours to beach (by a winding road) and 6 hours to sydney by car on a great expressway.
house prices in sydney and rents are high unless you are further out in suburbs (20km out).smaller country towns cheap housing and land
but less facilities.
government schools underresourced but catholic church schools are cheap but better quality even if u r not catholic.
private schools very expensive and you may not get what u pay for-ripoff in my opinion.typically $25000 per student per year in last 4-6 years of schooling
universities and colleges are good in main and govt gives you a low interest loan for fees which u dont have to pay off until you have job after graduation.
restaurants in cbd are expensive because labour is expensive and because sydney is also a tourist town esp for europeans japanese and americans.
best to buy food at supermarkets.meat -beef cicken pork is world wise very cheap.veges cheap snap frozen is like buying fresh and is only $2-4/kg-peas carrots beans corn kernels broccoli cabbage.
fruit is cheap if in season (ALL IN $)
-fresh:
bananas 2-3/kg apples 3-6/kg peaches 5/kg oranges 3-4/kg
plums 4-6/kg
blueberries $5/punnet strawberries 2-4/pun
raspberries 7/pun
grapes red or green 4-6/kg
——-
cheeses 10-12/kg most varieties made locally or new zealand
——-
phone lines $20-30/month calls15c-20c each local plus caps on trunk calls typically 2.50 per 20 minutes
overseas better to use phone card or internet skype,messenger etc
mobile prepaid expensive (50c-$1 /minute plus 25c connect) except for virgin brand (10c per minute plus 25c connect) .
capped post paid plans cheaper but 12-24month contract.
———
clothes rel inexpensive apart from designer stuff as tariffs now zero on imports
medical is cheaper than most western countries as part govt subsidised if u r classed as resident and nottoo high if u r not.
general gp is $40-50 but if in medicare u get 10-20$ refund.if doctor agrees to bulk bill then if u r on medicare it is FREE.
dental is rel expensive esp orthodontic work 5000-10000 for full treatment
and there is no govt scheme.
health insurance is available $1000-3000 per person per year depending on level of cover( operations only or medical and surgical dental etc)
but insurance does not cover 100%of fee so may not be much saving from insurance.some plans have attached clinics where services are cheaper esp dental.
Residential Places in Canberra

One thing that you will not have any trouble finding in Canberra is a place to stay. This is something that is fairly obvious given the city’s wealth of tourist destinations, and it is certainly true that Canberra has a lot to offer in the way of hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts and backpacker hotels for travelers. But this abundance of accommodations applies to people who wish to live in the city for an extended period of time–or even permanently–as well.

If you wish to live in close proximity to the commercial and business centers, Woden is where you should begin your search. Located only a few kilometers south of Canberra, the district is comprised of a healthy balance of modern apartments and more historic houses.

If you have a family, Tuggeranong warrants a closer look with its wide-open spaces and generously sized residential blocks. Like Woden, the houses here are a mix of the old and the new and they are generally priced quite reasonably.

Students will likely find Belconnen an attractive place to live, given its close proximity to many of the city’s educational institutions such as the University of Canberra, the Canberra Institute of Technology and the Australian Institute of Sport among others.

Finally Gungahlin is another area that will appeal to families. Located to the north of the city, Gungahlin is the newest residential district in Canberra and offers a wide range of finished homes and townhouses, as well as land packages.

Whether you prefer the sleek convenience of a modern apartment right in the heart of the city or you prefer the warm and rustic lodging of a home in the country, Canberra has something for you.

The perception of living in Canberra was debunked in a post in the Australia Expat Forum last January 18, 2009:

I spent a few months working in Canberra, and I liked it. Every Australian I met before I went there said “you’re going to Canberra,” as though it’s the most awful place in the world. In all reality, though, most Australians who talk like that have probably never even been there! For some reason everyone has a bad impression of it, and I’d venture to guess that it’s because it’s not the most lively place for young singles. It doesn’t have the greatest night life, so if you’re single and looking for that, you might find it a bit lacking. I personally enjoyed it a lot. It’s great for outdoorsy kind of people, and I found some really good rock climbing in the area. There’s lots of nature and trees around.

The city itself was planned, and it was designed by a couple from Chicago. I think it has more of an American city feel, since rather than having one bit city centre it has lots of suburbs with their own centres.

Just remember to take its reputation with a grain of salt!
Hospitals and Universities of Canberra

Virtually all of your health related concerns could be adequately addressed in Canberra, considering the abundance of hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities in the city. Here you can find two large public hospitals, a score of smaller private hospitals and even more community-based clinics and health care centers.

The Canberra Hospital serves as the medical hub of not only Canberra but the entire Australian Capital Territory as well. Serving over 500,000 people from the surrounding areas, Canberra Hospital also functions as the educational arm of the Australian National University Medical School or ANU. Another hospital in Canberra is the Calvary Public Hospital located in Bruce. The largest private hospital is the John James Memorial Hospital in Deakin.

Calvary Health Care ACT, which counts the Calvary Hospital under its jurisdiction, offers the most up to date medical technology available and features a public hospital that can accommodate 250 lie-in patients.

As for schools, we already mentioned that Belconnen is the home of some of Canberra’s top learning institutions, among them the University of Canberra. Along with the Australian National University in Acton, these two schools are the main tertiary learning institutions in the city. The Australian National University is particularly well regarded, having the distinction of being considered one of the best universities in the world by many in the academic field.
Commercial Places in Canberra

We mentioned earlier that Canberra has a wealth of restaurants, bars, and shopping malls on offer but this aspect deserves a closer mention in this section.

As befitting a city with such an eclectic blend of different cultures, Canberra has an equally wide variety of restaurants that can cover the range of global cuisines. From casual settings to a luxurious fine dining experience, from exotic delicacies to something as familiar as a hearty English breakfast–wherever your culinary tastes lie, Canberra has something to offer. Some worthwhile places to check out are the Axis because of its emphasis on fine food, and Benjamin’s Restaurant, which is decidedly more casual but is every bit as memorable a gustatory experience.

The bars in Canberra also deserve special attention, running the gamut from the cozy pub where you can share a leisurely drink with the local residents, to the ultra-modern dance club pulsating with the energy of 21st century Australia.

If shopping is your thing, definitely check out the Manuka and Kingston districts where you can have your pick of anything from international designer labels to high quality house ware. All these places are in easy to find locations as Canberra is one of the few planned urban developments in the Australian Capital Territory.
Service Establishments of Canberra

Electrical service in Canberra is provided by the national power grid, by way of substations that are located in Holt and Fyshwick. Some of this power comes from the hydro generator that is connected to the main water supply pipeline at Mount Stromlo and some is provided by methane plants at Belconnen and Mugga Lane.

Both terrestrial and mobile telephone services in Canberra are provided by a host of competing firms, although much of the infrastructure is owned by a company called Telstra, with the rest owned by TransACT and a host of smaller providers.

Hobart City Guide

Hobart is the state capital of Tasmania as well as its most heavily populated city, with over 200,000 residents in 2007. From its beginnings as a penal colony in 1803, the city has grown to become the center of finance and administration for the entire Tasmanian island state, and it currently serves as the gateway to the Antarctic for both Australia and France.

Apart from being a busy seaport town, Hobart distinguishes itself with its rich cultural heritage, being home to both the Theatre Royal, which is Australia’s oldest theatre, and the world renowned Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. The city in fact has a thriving music and art scene, with many notable artists from all over the world taking up residence there.
Residential Places in Hobart

One of the most remarkable things about living in Hobart is the ease in which you can get from any point in the city to another. Even if you choose to live in the suburbs, the main section of the city is never very far away. The furthest outlying suburbs–Fern Tree, Mt Nelson and Dynnyrne–are no more than 7 kilometers away from the city’s center.

The quality of the houses in Hobart are remarkably high, which is all the more impressive considering that property rates are considerably lower there than in any other Australian capital city. A September 2007 listing of house rates in certain suburbs showed that houses in Sandy Bay, which is 5 kilometers away from the city, go for $595,000. On the other hand, houses in Battery Point, which is a scant 1.6 kilometers away, go for $600,000.
Pricing Estimates

On the lower end of the price scale, houses in Glebe typically go for $313,500, while houses in Mt. Nelson fetch prices of $316,000 on the average. Houses in Hobart proper come in somewhere around the middle at $425,000, with houses in West Hobart and Mt Stuart going for $407,500 and $390,000 respectively.

As for the types of houses you can expect to find in Hobart, there is a wide range available, from older mansions and family homes to newly constructed apartment complexes. And because of Hobart’s ideal location, you are almost certain to have a good view of either the Derwent River or Mount Wellington wherever you decide to live in the city. In some areas you will even be lucky enough to have both!
Hospitals and Universities of Hobart

As far as health care in Hobart goes, you have a wealth of options in both government-owned and privately run hospitals. The Royal Hobart Hospital is the largest and most fully equipped government hospital. Some of the private hospitals in the city are the Hobart Private Hospital at the corner of Argyle and Collins Streets, St Helens Private at Macquarie, Calvary Hospital at Augusta Road and St Johns Calvary at Cascade Road.
Educational Establishments

Schools are equally plentiful in Hobart. The city is home to one of the oldest and most respected educational institutions in the country, the University of Tasmania. In addition, the Hobart TAFE was judged the Best Training Provider in the country in 2000 and 2002.

Some of the other colleges you can find in Hobart are the Guilford Young College, Mount Carmel College, Sacred Heart College, St Mary’s College and St Virgil’s College.
Commercial Places in Hobart

Much of the after dark activity in Hobart goes on around Salamanca Place and the waterfront, although there are certainly plenty of other places worth visiting all over the city. One of the alternatives to the aforementioned areas is Elizabeth Street in North Hobart, which features a host of restaurants specializing in different cuisines from all over the world. Whether you are in the mood for Chinese, Greek, Thai, Italian, Mexican or Indian food, Elizabeth Street will have something for you.

Some of the more notable dining establishments in town are Mures Lower Deck where you can feast on a delectable selection of fresh seafood, Pear Ridge Gardens and Restaurant which is known for its hearty meals served up in a simple but very satisfying country style, The Saffron which serves up only the best in North Indian cuisine, and the Republic Bar & Cafe where you can either enjoy a sumptuous lunch or come back after dark and take in the excellent live music entertainment.
Shopping Establishments

Being a capital city, shopping in Hobart is no less a rewarding experience with loads of city markets and more modern shopping centers vying for your money. Some of the bigger ones are the Centre Point Shopping Center, the Cat and Fiddle Arcade and Trafalgar Square.
Service Establishments of Hobart

Aurora Energy Pty Ltd is the main electricity provider in Hobart and you can contact them at GPO Box 191, Hobart Tasmania, 7001. You can also call their Customer Service Centre at the following numbers from Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm, and on Saturdays at 9am to 12noon: 1300 13 2003 for residential customers, 1300 13 2045 for small businesses, 1300 13 7008 for electricity supply upgrades and 1300 300 545 for insulation sales. In addition, there is also an emergency and fault repair number, 13 2004, which is available at all hours, seven days a week.

At the time of this writing, there is no regular supply of natural gas in Hobart, although construction has begun on a gas pipeline from the mainland that stretches across the Bass Strait. This pipeline is set to be operational in about two years.

Is there a shortage of homes in Australia

 Even though Australia is a massive country there would appear to be very few areas which are densely populated because a number of issues. There’s an interesting post on the expat forum entitled “House crunch Australia” which covers the subject of a potential housing shortage in Australia and the impact this is having upon current rental rates and the population as a whole.

For those who look on Australia as the land of sea and sun this may well be an eye-opener if you’re looking to move their full-time and take advantage of the famous lifestyle.

The layout of Australia

Aside from the likes of Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide if we are honest how many other cities and towns in Australia could you name?

This is a factor which is very evident in this particular thread which offers a very interesting insight into Australia and the various issues affecting the housing market. As we mentioned above, aside from the likes of Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, which are by far and away the best know Australian cities, there is a distinct dearth of outstanding and well-known venues.

The Australian population

Obviously with only a relatively small number of large cities in Australia the population are very focused on a relatively small area of the country. As a consequence there has been a distinct lack of investment in housing outside of the larger cities which is starting to impact as immigration figures continue to grow on a year by year basis.

As you might expect, new visitors to Australia are obviously attracted by the prospect of employment and as the vast majority of the main business districts are in places such as Melbourne, Sydney and Perth these areas have expanded rapidly to the detriment of surrounding towns and smaller cities. As a consequence we are seeing an impact upon the Austrian housing market which could take years to resolve.

Renting in Australia

There is some discussion about the rental value of various homes across Australia and the fact that significant increases have been seen in some of the major cities in the country. In a perfect world this would prompt an increase in new home builds but unfortunately for a number of reasons this does not appear to be happening in Australia as yet. There’s some debate as to whether housebuilders are currently “working flat-out” or the Australian government is running a policy of maintaining demand by holding back new home developments on purpose.

While you would hope that your local government would look towards a policy of maintaining the supply demand equilibrium this is not always the case in the housing market. Even in places such as the UK, where the property sector is very well developed, the UK government has for many years implemented a deliberate policy which on the whole has seen demand outstrip supply by a substantial difference. There are reasons for this, not least the fact that property is one of the more prominent assets of the worldwide population and there is a need to protect the value of these assets as much as possible going forward.

How do you create new cities in Australia?

The subject of creating new cities in Australia has received some comments on the thread with many differing opinions. While the government can influence the development of a growing town and city, it is a natural attraction to the area, whether this is for mineral resources of business in general, which will ultimately dictate what happens.

Australia has for many years attracted the interest of nationalities from around the world but ultimately immigrants to the country have tended to centre round the coastal regions for the weather, business opportunities and the transport network. When we look at “creating” a new city it is more than just about building homes and encouraging businesses as there is a need to introduce a local transport network before significant numbers would be attracted to the region.

The cost of building homes

While on the surface it would be easy to assume that the only cost associated with building new homes across Australia is the construction, labour and material costs this is not the case. There is also a need to introduce utilities, services and shops to regions before demand would be sufficient to make it worthwhile. Initially these particular services can be fairly expensive to set up and maintain which is something that the Australian government is acutely aware of.

Even though there is no doubt that demand for new housing is increasing throughout Australia, with the influx of immigrant workers rising year-on-year, it may be some time before we see the natural evolution of new business arenas and significant conurbations.

The Australian economy

In line with other economies around the world, Australia is suffering from the general downturn caused by the credit crunch which emanated from America. As a consequence there has been a significant reduction in government tax income which has reduced the level of funding available for reinvestment into infrastructure and other areas of Australian life. There has also been a significant reduction in employment opportunities although it may surprise many to find that there are still significant skill shortages in many areas of Australian business.

So while there are still opportunities for skilled immigrant workers to move to Australia, using the fast track visa system, there is an underlying tightening of the labour market which is impacting on the country as a whole.

Conclusion

The subject of housebuilding policies around the world is one which is rarely discussed in the open although it is something which is key to any property market. Countries such as Australia and the UK for example have for many years consciously reined in the building of new homes to ensure that demand has always outstripped supply. However, Australia is a very different situation altogether because of the landscape and climate which has in many cases reduced the opportunities to encourage new towns and cities in some areas of the country.

However, there are a handful of very large cities such as Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth which grab the headlines, business opportunities and ultimately attract the vast majority of immigrant workers. It will be difficult for the Austrian authorities to turn people away from these areas unless they are able to encourage business arenas in different parts of the country, offer utilities and reliable transport networks, not to mention affordable homes.

For a country as large as Australia to have only a handful of significant cities will surprise many, but the climate and landscape in many areas of the country does not encourage mass movement of the population or the introduction of new business markets.

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A list of things to do when you arrive

While this thread is based on a move to Australia the basic principles are the same for any area of the world. To say the list is extensive is an under statement and if you ever find a more helpful thread on any forum you are doing very well!

Some of the areas covered in the thread include bank accounts, public transport, car rental, house rental, mobile phones, finding employment and medical care to name but a few. The information is well presented, easy to read and has obviously been put together by someone who has been there and done it.

The beauty of this thread is the fact that there are even opening times for many of the governmental departments you will need to contact and rough timescales for certain procedures. However, more interestingly the thread, and the subsequent comments, also contain warnings as to the potential pitfalls you may encounter and how best to avoid them. One such example was the registration process at Centrelink (the government agency which looks after job seeking and social security payments) where the author of the thread was forced to register 3 times!

Apart from the more formal actions required, such as registering for social security, etc, the thread contains details about a mass of publications which will give you the low down on the country, what is happening and allow you to keep up to date with new rules and regulations. This list seems to cover everything which you could ever think of!

Summary

Even though this thread is skewed towards those looking for a new life in Australia it could easily form the basis of a ‘must do’ list for people moving anywhere in the world. The information is not only informative but it is presented in such a way, bullet points, as to make it very simple to understand. Headings also draw your attention to some of the more vital areas and the detail is much more than you normally see on similar lists.

So whether you are looking to double check that your shipped items will arrive on time, where to go for family medical care or how you register for the job seekers service it is all there. Many of the elements of the list also include telephone numbers, opening times and addresses for those specifically moving to Victoria, Australia and leave literally nothing to chance.

The need to take as much pressure off yourself as possible when relocating overseas is vital as this leaves more time for you to actually plan what you need to do when you get there. Knowing where to go, who to speak to and what level of service you can expect will ensure that your expectations are neither too high nor too low. When you see how much work there is to do when moving overseas it really is something of an eye opener but it is vital that you know what to expect because you will be in a foreign land after all!

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Broadband in Australia

Broadband in Australia is a subject which has been hitting the headlines for some time now as the government and business arena continue to push Australia to the forefront of the broadband revolution and secure the long-term future of the Austrian economy. The country itself has often been portrayed as the “poor cousin” of the likes of the UK and other countries with a close connection to Australia, but in reality Australia today is very different to the Australia of 10, 20 or 30 years ago.

Broadband providers in Australia

There are more and more broadband providers coming online in Australia offering services from the most basic Internet connection to the latest mobile broadband technology. The broadband providers in Australia at the moment include:-

BigPond Broadband

While BigPond Broadband is unlikely to be a name you have come across before, the company is actually Australia’s largest Internet service provider with over 3 million customers. The company is well known for its cutting-edge high-speed Internet connections and offers everything from wireless Internet to mobile broadband.

Optus Broadband

Optus broadband has had an exposure to the Australian market, and surrounding regions, for many years and is well known as one of Australia’s leading ISP companies. The very fact the company has its origins in the telecom market has allowed it to cover the vast range of Internet services available taking in ADSL 2+, Naked DSL, Cable and mobile broadband.

Vodafone Broadband

Vodafone is perhaps one of the better known names in the world of mobile broadband and since winning Australia’s third mobile telecoms licence back in 1992 the company has gone from strength to strength. It is now vying for top position with BigPond and is not only at the forefront of developments in the field of mobile broadband but landline broadband as well.

AAPT Broadband

AAPT is part of the larger Telecom New Zealand Group and has become one of Australia’s most dynamic and forward thinking telecommunications companies over the last few years. A no-nonsense approach to Internet and broadband services has seen the company’s customer base increase significantly over recent times. The company offers ADSL Internet and ADSL 2+ Internet connectivity.

Dodo Broadband

The Dodo broadband group is fairly new to the market and at the moment is still finding its feet in what is becoming a very crowded market place. The range of Internet services available includes ADSL, ADSL 2+, Naked DSL and mobile broadband. This is perhaps one of the companies to watch in the future as the landscape continues to change.

Virgin Broadband

The Virgin Broadband name is very much alive and kicking in Australia and while the company has focused upon the mobile broadband arena we are seeing the vast array of traditional Virgin products emerging into the marketplace. Virgin Broadband is a company which is very much at the cutting-edge of the UK market and looking to replicate this success in Australia.

Netspace Broadband

NetSpace is one of Australia’s oldest Internet service providers with a history which goes back to 1992, with its origins as a bulletin board dial-up service. The progress and development of the group has mirrored that of the Australian Internet market and ensured that the company has remained at the forefront of Internet technology.

Grapevine Broadband

The Grapevine ISP provides broadband Internet across Australia using the TransAct network and the national network. Specialising in ADSL and ADSL 2+ Internet connectivity the group offers value for money in what is a very competitive market.

The above Internet service providers are but a small selection of the better-known names in Australia although the likes of People Telecom, Spin Internet, Exetel, iiNet, Internode and TPG Internet are also fairly prominent in the marketplace. Once you have decided where you are moving to in Australia, simply do a search for broadband Internet service providers in the region and see what is on offer.

The cost of Internet broadband in Australia

As with the UK broadband Internet market, the Australian market consists of a substantial number of deals and bundled packages which will appeal to different areas of the consumer market. Some of the more popular Internet service providers include Optus which charges around AUS$29.99 a month, AAPT which charges from AUS$29.95, Dodo which is one of the cheaper at just AUS$9.99 although the likes of Virgin Broadband at AUS$14.00 and Vodafone Broadband from just AUS$19.00 a month all come into play.

There has been some significant movement in the marketplace over the last few days with the announcement that Vodafone is slashing the cost of its prepaid mobile broadband starter pack and looking to make a major play for this particular area of the market. This pre-emptive move will certainly cause a reaction in the market place and we should see many of the leading competitors follow suit. The reduction in the setup cost of mobile broadband connectivity could turn out to be a significant step in the development of the overall Australian broadband market and in particular the Australian mobile broadband market.

Internet connectivity across Australia

For those who never been to Australia, or very much kept their visits to the more popular areas of the country, it can be difficult to understand and appreciate the size and massive difference in population density across the country. This is obviously having an impact upon the Internet market where the major players have centred upon the more popular and more densely populated areas as this is where they see the potential for greater profits in the long run.

However, that is not to say that some of the more sparsely populated areas of Australia have been left out and the fact that mobile broadband is gathering pace in the region is also a godsend to many. There are few countries in the world which could make use of, and do make use of, the full potential and full range of services available via the Internet as Australia does. As a consequence there can be significant variation in the cost and availability of Internet service providers across Australia and you must obviously do your homework before deciding who to go with.

Development of Australia’s broadband network

The Australian government has been very proactive in its approach to the Internet and in particular broadband connectivity which they see as the future of the Australian economy. The first phase of Australia’s national broadband network is expected to be open for business in the second quarter of 2010 with speeds of up to 100 Mb per second available across 5000 premises in the state of Tasmania.

There are ambitious plans for a countrywide roll-out of the broadband network which would cost around AUS$43 billion to create. Unlike countries such as the UK, the vast majority of the Australian broadband network will be financed by a series of public/private partnerships which will bring in experts in the field broadband and IT as well as the power of taxpayer funding. There is no doubt that the broadband network in Australia will form the basis of the future of the Australian economy and is set to create tens of thousands of jobs in the future.

Employment prospects in Australia

While there is no doubt that Australia is suffering from the worldwide recession, like each and every country around the world, there are great hopes for the future of this growing country. As we touched on above, the Internet will play a very important role in the future direction of the Australian economy with a recent European Commission survey suggesting that over 100,000 jobs have already been created by the broadband industry in Europe in 2006 alone.

It is forecast that upwards of 70,000 jobs will be created in Australia by 2014 primarily because of the introduction of the high-speed broadband network. It is interesting that even though Australia is suffering from the worldwide economic downturn it is expected that around 33000 jobs will be created in the internet sector by 2011. When you also factor in the eventual recovery in the Australian economy and the development of the national broadband network there are many positive aspects to consider with regards to settling down in Australia.

Broadband penetration in Australia

There have been great developments within the Australian broadband sector over the last few years and many people will be surprised to learn that a recent report, which focused upon broadband access to households throughout the world, has placed Australia ahead of the likes of the UK, Sweden, Germany and France, not to mention an array of other well-known and respected countries around the world.

Even though the vast majority of broadband penetration figures seem to focus upon the population penetration rather than the household penetration, the household figure does tend to give a more reliable picture. When you consider the vast area that Australia covers and the great swathes of the outback, the fact that the country is beating some of the more recognised broadband savvy countries is a testament to the Australian government.

The Strategy Analytics rankings for 2008 show that, unsurprisingly, Asia is the most developed continent in the world in relation to broadband development with South Korea taking the plaudits where 95% of households have access to broadband Internet connectivity. The likes of Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong also figure prominently in the high 80%+ bracket while the likes of the Netherlands (85%) and Denmark (82%) figure most prominently in Europe.

Australia comes in at a very credible 11th with 72% which reflects very positively when you consider that the United States of America is at number 20 with a penetration of just 60%. The vast majority of Western European countries are stuck in the mid-50% bracket although it is worth noting that countries such as Egypt (3% penetration), India (2%) and Indonesia (1%) appear to be well out of the loop.

Working from home in Australia

As we have touched on in some of our earlier articles there is a growing trend for home businesses and home working which is starting to spread around the world. The ability to literally work in any country and remain in contact with your customers from around the globe is something which is vital to individual employees, companies and local economies. Even though Australia has many positive aspects which continue to attract significant expats to the region it is the forward thinking of the Australian government which could set up the economy for a significant period of growth in the medium to long term.

Many Internet service providers have noted the potential for significant growth in broadband use and broadband penetration in Australia and the enormous profits this could and should bring. While there are many local companies operating in the Australian broadband market, some of the more internationally renowned names such as Vodafone and Virgin Broadband are now making a significant play for a slice of the action.

Conclusion

Australia is a country which is in some ways still struggling to shake off the impression of being dominated by a barren outback where homes can literally be hundreds of miles away from their nearest neighbour. While it would be wrong to suggest there are not some areas of Australia which still fit the stereotypical image, the more densely populated cities and towns have undergone major development over the last few decades and continue to grow.

The Australian government has been very proactive in the area of Internet broadband connectivity and IT in general which has set up the economy for the future. While many people will be surprised to see that broadband household penetration in Australia is significantly ahead of the likes of the UK and the US, for those with an in-depth knowledge of Australia and the changes over the last few decades, this may not be such a surprise.

Australia has for some time been one of the more popular countries of the world and has attracted enormous numbers of visitors looking to relocate and start a new life. Historically the country has the weather and the culture to attract people, but over the last few years the economy has been nurtured and received enormous investment from the Australian authorities, something which is starting to pay dividends. There is no doubt that Internet broadband connectivity in Australia is improving all the time and the ongoing development of the national broadband network is putting country such as the UK and the US to shame.

Australia is no longer the poor cousin of more recognised economies around the world and is very much able to stand on its own 2 feet in this new cyber world we live in.

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Is the Australian immigration process fair

While many governments around the world which have talked about and introduced skills led immigration policies there can be few as rigid and as stringent as that seen in Australia. The skilled migration program has caused controversy and appreciation across the world in equal measures but is it fair?

At this point in time there is a ceiling of 133,500 immigration visas per year which includes both the skilled migration program and general applications. However, as a consequence of the current economic situation around the world and in Australia in particular the Australian government has recently tightened the criteria for migration into the country with the balance in favour of skilled workers who are needed by companies in the country.

What is the benefit of tightening the criteria now?

Like all developed countries around the world there has been a significant increase in unemployment throughout Australia as the worldwide economic slowdown continues to impact on many individual countries. There is now a need to ensure that Australian nationals are given the opportunity to take up new employment positions where possible without having to compete against those from foreign lands.

However, by tightening the criteria for skilled workers to be fast tracked through the immigration system the Australian government is ensuring that the economy is as well-positioned as it can be when the recovery finally comes. This mixture of ensuring Australian nationals have access to new employment positions while also allowing overseas visitors to take up positions which cannot be filled naturally is the best case scenario for the Australian economy.

Has Australia always had a skilled workers immigration policy?

The truth is that Australia has for many years fast tracked those applications from workers who offer specific skills and specific experience which may be lacking in the Australian economy. However, the last couple of years have seen a number of employers complain that many skilled workers were being placed in the ever-growing queue of those looking to move to Australia and the Australian economy was losing out. This is the reason why the criteria has been tightened and those who apply for employer-sponsored visas are in an even better position for a successful result.

Is it right to sort immigration applications on skills?

When you consider that the current Australian population are the ones who have paid taxes for years and continue to finance the economy it makes sense that they should have first refusal on employment positions they may be able to cover and have the necessary skills. There is little point in allowing those from foreign lands with no defining skills which they can put into the economy to enter Australia at the expense of those who can “pay their way”.

The more general immigrants who visit Australia with nothing to offer and limited employment opportunities the greater the pressure on the country’s social services and public services to the detriment of natural Australians. Whether this is illegal or morally correct is debatable and opens the argument as to whether any country in the world should be able to pick and choose who enters the country and on what terms.

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Move To Australia

Australia has for many years been one of the more popular destinations for expats around the world and if anything the attraction to this particular area of the world appears to be growing on a year by year basis. So what does Australia have to offer someone looking for a new life? Why would you move to Australia?

The weather

One of the main attractions of Australia for many people appears to be the weather although it has to be said that not all areas of Australia are baked in sunshine all year round!

Many people will be surprised to learn that Australia has one of the more diverse climates in the world from the semi arid deserts to the alpine heaths and the tropical rainforest. However, it is this mix of climate and weather which makes Australia special in the eyes of many people because quite literally whatever climate you are comfortable in you are more than likely to find an area of Australia to suit your needs.

The truth is that many people move to Australia for the sun, sea and the beaches but find that the country has so much more to offer once they are there. As with any country you need to do your homework to find out the areas of Australia which would best for your needs and your requirements and then see what the local economy and local community can offer.

Politically correct – not Australia!

We now live in an age where political correctness in some countries around the world has gone beyond what many people believe to be reasonable. While there is obviously a place for political correctness and appreciating cultures and people in different areas of the world’s there is also a need, in the eyes of many people, to retain some of their own beliefs in tandem with other cultures.

Unfortunately, a number of people have taken the decision to move to pastures new simply because of political correctness, with the UK cited by many people as one of those countries where it has moved to an unacceptable level. However, Australia is perhaps one of the least politically correct countries in the world although this is not a criticism in any way.

Freedom of speech in Australia has never been stronger and in many ways the Australian culture promotes this particular aspect of Australian life. A move to Australia could quite literally for many people be a move to a totally different world and culture where everybody is respected and nobody is expected to “dumb down”. Some people may feel comfortable in this environment although others may feel it is not for them.

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Studying Overseas in Australia

While there are many ways to see the world and different cultures one which has increased in popularity over the years has been studying overseas. The ability to experience a different culture and a different country while also taking in your education is attracting more and more people and studying overseas in Australia is a subject which has been broached in the Australia Forum at Expat forum.com. So what do you need to consider when looking to study overseas and in particular Australia?

Studying overseas in general

In tandem with an increase in the worldwide marketplace, due in the main to the Internet and improved communication systems, more and more people are now looking to study overseas and ultimately remain in their country of choice. However, there are many issues to consider because unless you are 100% certain you are doing the right thing, it can be almost impossible bringing together the pressures of learning your chosen subjects and also coming to terms with life in a different country and a very different culture.

Financing your study period overseas

This particular thread has been started by a US citizen who is looking to study in Australia and has actually received acceptance from an Australian education facility. However, there appears to be a major issue regarding financing the course because while there is a US program to assist those looking to study overseas, the school in question in Australia is not part of this particular program. Indeed it appears that only five or six Australian education facilities are actually part of this particular US funding programme, thereby making it difficult to finance your quest unless you have been accepted by one of the schools in question.

However, the fact that there are so few schools in Australia who are part of the American funding programme would suggest that popularity amongst these particular schools is high and very few people will actually be successful in receiving an acceptable offer to move to Australia.

Student visas in Australia

While the person in question met his partner, who is from Australia, while she was on holiday in the US they have been together for nine months now and are looking to return to Australia together. However, in general the Australian authorities will not accept a spouse or partner unless their relationship can be proven to extend beyond at least 12 months and even then they will be subject to scrutiny by the authorities. One option is for the gentleman in question to move back to Australia with his girlfriend under a student visa and then hopefully complete his education, stay in the country and find himself a job.

In a perfect world, and if their relationship was over a longer period, it would have been possible for the gentleman to follow his girlfriend back to her homeland and receive automatic residency. Whether or not marriage is an option in the short to medium term is debatable but the fact he has given up life in his homeland to follow her back home is definitely a positive sign.

Personal loans for your education costs

As the school in question is not part of the US funding programme for overseas students, a number of options have been discussed which include a personal loan from the US and a personal loan from an Australian bank. There have also been various discussions regarding potential guarantors for any finance which may well include his girlfriend or even his parents back in America. Initially there had been problems with finance, credit scores and the ability to deal with Australian banks but this has been resolved further down the line although it is unclear exactly which route has been taken.

Credit score in Australia

It is worth remembering that even if you have the best credit score in America, once you leave the country and relocate in Australia you will basically be starting from zero again. You will have no credit records, no credit history and ultimately you may find it difficult to obtain finance without some kind of Australian guarantor in the early days. It will be a slow process building up your overseas credit score but it is something which you will have to address sooner rather than later so that it does not interfere with your later life.

Working and education visas

While it’s possible to obtain an education visa there is also the option of obtain a visa which will allow you to work in between breaks in education. This would allow those in question to finance their life in Australia, to increase their knowledge of the area and the culture and allow them to start building their own credit rating. You need to be very careful with these particular visas because some will not allow you to work at all while others will allow you to work in between breaks in education. If you flaunt the rules then you are taking a chance that the authorities will find out and you will not be offered permanent residency in the future.

Moving overseas is a big step

As we mentioned above, moving to any country in the world is a big step let alone taking on an education system and education subjects which may be very different to those in your homeland. If you’re moving overseas with a relatively new partner then there are also other issues such as the potential to split in the short, medium and longer term and how this would impact upon your life in your “new homeland”.

Conclusion

More and more people are showing an interest in education overseas which has helped to bring many different countries and different cultures closer together. While there are funding programs available for specific schools and specific countries, if you’re chosen education facility is not included in these programs there can be difficulties in financing your further education.

In the post in question there is also the issue of moving overseas after knowing your partner for a relatively short amount of time and the potential risks this may attract. In this particular scenario, we have an American citizen moving to Australia, initially without any finance for their education, with work experience not necessarily required by the Australian authorities and with a relatively new partner. While there are many positive factors to such an adventurous move there are also many issues to consider which could have a major impact on your life.

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Applying to live, work or stay in Australia

Applying to live, work or stay in Australia

We have covered the more popular visas available to those looking to move to Australia but there are others which may well prove useful to many people around the world. There are more details available at the following website:-

www.australia.gov.au/topics/immigration

As we touched on above, while Australia appears to have a very tough and very strict visa system with only the most determined and highly skilled people allowed into the country, there is some debate as to whether the authorities are as tough under the surface. There is no doubt that Australia, while still a developing economy, is attracting some of the best business brains and more and more expats to the region. This particular visa system can be adjusted and amended to take into account the Australian population, the economy and the requirements of certain areas of the employment market. As such it is very flexible and has left others such as the UK immigration system in its shadow.

If you visit the above website you will have the opportunity to see exactly how many points you would accumulate yourself if you are looking to move to Australia on a specific visa. This is a no obligation test which many people will find interesting as it will give them a feel for exactly what to expect and whether they might qualify at this moment in time.

The Australian economy

There have been massive changes in the Australian economy over the last decade and indeed it was one of the first to emerge from the ongoing worldwide recession. Despite being literally isolated in the middle of the ocean the economy continues to grow and the country’s standing on the worldwide stage is improving all the time.

The ever-changing economic situation in Australia has seen more and more skills shortages in specific sectors and specific areas of the employment market. While there is no doubt a number of people move to Australia because of their family, weather and the culture, the ever-growing employment market is also proving to be a very strong magnet.

Conclusion

Australia is a country which has long been popular with expats around the world and one which continues to grow in popularity. The immigration process is fairly long winded and as we touched on above, it can and will test your resolve to move to the country. However, even if you do qualify for a visa and move to Australia there is a need to maintain a sensible approach and abide by the various laws and regulations of the country.

Even though you may have your visa in your hand, the authorities can withdraw this at any point if you do not “toe the line”. If you take a sensible approach to life in Australia there is no reason why you cannot fulfil all of your dreams and your ambitions. Australia is to all intents and purposes a blossoming nation and a country which is attracting more and more attention from the business, expat and travel markets.

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Profession's in Ausralia

Teaching in Australia is a profession which is severely short of skilled teachers and has been crying out for some time for assistance from overseas skilled workers. Despite the fact that the Australian immigration system would appear to be very cumbersome and relatively unhelpful on the surface, there are a number of ways to short-circuit the system and effectively push your way to the front of the queue.

Living in Australia

The Australian economy has been one of the surprises of recent years having settled down in a general upward trend as the country has blossomed. The relatively stable political scene in Australia has allowed the economy to grow which has in turn attracted a number of expats to the region and indeed many Australians who left the country for “pastures new” are now returning. As a consequence a number of areas of everyday Australian life are struggling to find skilled workers who are available across the country. This is where there is a specific opportunity for those with a teaching background and teaching experience to make a new life in Australia.

Teaching posts available in Australia

Teaching in Australia is something which the Australian government has taken great interest in and is looking to fast-track the Australian education system to bring it up to date and up to speed with the best in the world. It is well-known that qualified and well experience teaching professionals are in great demand across Australia, from the pre-primary schoolteachers to the secondary school teachers and further education.

As a consequence, if you’re looking to relocate to Australia and you have experience in teaching then there is every chance that you could be a much sought after commodity by the Australian authorities.

Assessment for fast-track entry to Australia

As you we mentioned above, skilled workers in various areas of the economy are in short supply in Australia and teaching is a particularly difficult area for the Austrian authorities at the moment. In simple terms, if you apply for a skilled workers visa then you will be assessed under three separate criteria which will break down your experience in the workplace and your specific qualifications.

The criteria used are:-

Educational

If you have completed higher education studies of at least four years full-time higher education, which are comparable to the qualifications available in Australia, and also have qualifications which are comparable to the Australian system then you have a good chance of passing this particular criteria. The Austrian authorities will assess your experience and qualifications against their own and arrive at a decision fairly quickly.

Professional assessment

This particular assessment looks at your professional qualifications with regards to teaching and requires you to have an initial teacher education qualification of at least one year full-time which should have at some stage included at least 45 days of supervised practice in a teaching environment.

English-Language

As English is the mother tongue in Australia it is vital that those looking to move to Australia under the teacher recruitment plan must be fluent in English, both orally and written. It is interesting to see that not only Australia, but many other countries around the world, are crying out for English teachers due in the main to the fact the language is so popular and so many English-speaking expats are now dotted around the globe.

Gaining entry to Australia

There are two main ways to gain entry to Australia if you’re looking to become involved in the education system which are:-

Skilled workers visa

This is a popular route for many people who are looking to relocate to Australia and have experience in much sought after areas of the employment market. In simple terms, the applicant will apply on behalf of themselves and will provide the authorities with detailed information so that they can arrive at the decision.

Sponsorship

This is by far and away the more convenient way to apply for entry into Australia under the skilled workers visa as you are effectively being sponsored by a recognised local authority or company in Australia. The authorities will rightly assume that the sponsor has taken precautions with regards to the person or persons they are sponsoring and much of the “information digging” should have been done already.

Salaries in the Australian teaching profession

It is difficult to say what the standard salary is for an Australian teacher but for those with relatively little experience they can still attract salaries from AU$33,000 to as high as AU$45,000 and those with more experience in senior roles you would be looking at between AU$55,000 and AU$70,000 a year. When you consider the cost of living in Australia, which is in many ways much cheaper than in places such as the UK, it is possible to obtain a very comfortable standard of living in Australia if you are involved in the teaching profession on a full-time basis.

The Australian culture

In order to be successful in any walk of life in Australia you need to appreciate the culture and the Australian way of life which will in some cases be very different to what you may have been used to. However, Australia is renowned as a relatively friendly country and one which continues to attract more and more expats from around the world. Indeed the fact that many Australian expats are returning to their former homelands is also a sign that all is good in the country and the future looks bright.

Conclusion

Australia is a country which has for some time been one of the more popular expat destinations and one which has depended heavily upon immigration to increase the population, improve the economy and expand the country’s profile overseas. This heavy dependence upon immigration has left areas such as the teaching profession short of skilled workers at the moment and this is something which the Austrian authorities have been quick to tackle, offering fast-track visas for teachers with acceptable qualifications and experience.

As a consequence, Australia has become something of a magnet for teachers looking to move to a new land and so long as the demand for teachers remains high it is likely we will see the teaching profession remain on the skilled workers list for the foreseeable future.

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Living and working in Australia

While the cost of living in Australia has increased as the economy continues to expand, in comparison to the likes of the UK and other popular expat areas of the world it still compares very favourably. However, it has to be said that Australia is very dependent upon the exchange rate because a great number of products need to be imported from around the world which can lead to price swings from time to time.

Interestingly, when you consider that the Australian economy has on average grown by around 3.6% a year for the last 15 years, against the worldwide average of around 2.5% for developed economies, it is easy to see why the country has attracted so much attention from overseas visitors. Prior to the ongoing worldwide recession the gross domestic product of Australia was in fact higher than that of the United States, UK, Germany and France.

Australia has a very buoyant employment market with a low level of unemployment (around 4.6%) and with inflation very much under control at between 2% to 3% the economy, under the firm stewardship of the Australian government, would appear to be in safe hands. On the whole, employment prospects in Australia have never been better.

Sport in Australia

If there is one country in the world which has a massive passion for sport it has to be Australia with soccer, Australian rules football, cricket, Formula One and tennis to name but a small number which are all very popular in the country. The very fact that Australia has a very large and growing leisure and tourist industry has necessitated a need to embrace a variety of sporting activities and sporting events which are attracting more and more people to the country.

If there is one event on the sporting calendar which perfectly epitomises the Australian passion for sport it has to be the cricket Ashes series which sees the best Australian cricketers pitted against the best English cricketers with the winner taking the famous Ashes trophy. There have been many battles over the years and there will be many battles into the future between these two closely linked yet ultracompetitive countries.

A laid-back lifestyle

Whether or not the myth of the stereotypical Australian is correct, with a laid-back lifestyle and regular visits to the local “watering hole”, is debatable but the fact is that life in Australia compared to many other countries around the world is much more laid back and enjoyable. That is not to say that Australian people do not work hard but the truth is many of them tend to play hard which is something people around the world have forgotten how to do.

Even if the stereotypical Australian has long bitten the dust it is still an image which works very well for the country and which has attracted massive numbers of holidaymakers and expats looking to start a new life. The impression that the Australian people “do not take themselves too serious” is one which seems to attract more and more attention as expats strive for something different and a more enjoyable lifestyle. Whether this is true or not remains to be seen but the myth certainly carries on to this very day!

Political stability in Australia

If you are considering a move to Australia, or any other country around the world, you will probably need to do your homework on the political scene and the overall political stability of the country. As we mentioned above, the Australian economy has on the whole grown over the last 15 years although there were a couple of difficult years in between when the economy was under pressure. However, in general there is no doubt that the political scene in Australia is far more stable than it has been for some time and ultimately offers a favourable political background for those looking to move and start a new life.

There will be new challenges and important decisions to be made as the Australian economy continues to grow but at this moment in time harmony has broken out on the political scene and the future of Australia would seem to be in very good hands.

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The Australian economy

As soon as you move to Australia you realise that this is an area of the world which is growing in popularity and has seen a significant increase in trade with worldwide partners. For many years Australia was isolated from the worldwide marketplace although recently there has been a major change in the make-up of the economy and Australia is now very much on the up with commodity exports playing a major part in the Australian economy

                However, it is also interesting to see that the services sector now accounts for 69% of GDP in Australia with particular emphasis on the tourism, education and financial services. This has added yet another arrow to the Australian bow and opened up new and exciting opportunities for Australian businesses and the Australian economy as a whole. It was interesting to see that during the recent credit crunch and worldwide economic downturn the Australian market performed better than most and indeed has pulled out of recession far quicker than many other developed countries around the world. Whether this is because the economy is still fairly immature and robust at the same time, or the fact Australia is still a major player in the commodities market is open to debate.

The Australian multicultural society

Despite the fact that we cited Australia’s resistance to follow the politically correct path which many governments around the world have taken, there is no doubt that Australia is one of the most multicultural societies in the world and there is little friction between the different cultures and different ethnic groups. Surprisingly, the vast majority of the 22 million people who live in Australia are descended from Europe from the time of colonial settlers.

The 2006 Australian census confirmed that the breakdown of the population was as follows, Australian 37.13%, English 31.65%, Irish 9.08%, Scottish 7.56%, Italian 4.29%, German 4.09%, Chinese 3.37% and Greek 1.84%. This perfectly reflects the strong connection which the Australian population has with Europe and the settlers of years gone by. However, many people will be unaware that since World War I the population of Australia has quadrupled due to a massive immigration program which has on the whole been successful, even though the government of today has tightened the requirements and regulations for expats moving to Australia.

The Australian landscape

If you move to Australia you will soon find a massive array of different landscapes and different climates available across the length and breadth of the country. As we mentioned in one of the paragraphs above, the country has everything from deserts to tropical rainforests and everything else in between. We have Ayres Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House and many other standout landscapes and buildings across Australia.

It is amazing to think that Australia has a land mass in excess of 7,600,000 km² although as we are all aware the vast majority of the land is left desolate with large pockets of heavily populated regions dotted up and down the country. Australia itself is the world’s smallest continent, and the sixth largest country by total land area, it also has an amazing 34,000 km of coast and an exclusive economic zone of 8,100,000 km². Australia is in simple terms enormous!

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