The Australian Way

Setting Up Your New Life

Australia is one of the world’s top destinations for migrants from all over the world who would like to live overseas. It remains enticing with its amazing golden beaches, spectacular and vast interior, famous outdoor lifestyle and an overall excellent quality of living. It excites the imagination of many people as it guarantees new adventures and an opportunity for a fresh start to those who want to make a change in their lives.

It may be daunting thinking about starting up a new life in a new country. Where do you choose to live? What are the laws and regulations? What will the culture be like? What will the weather be like? What do you need to take? How do you apply for jobs? What are the criteria for becoming an Australian citizen? What important information do you need to know? How will I get my new life in Australia off to a good start?

There are so many questions. So outlined below is jumpstart information you may need to know when planning your new life in this new breathtaking country.

Australian Tax File Number

Once you have stepped into the paradise of Australia, if you plan to work in Australia, one of the most important things to organise is your Tax File Number. You will need to call the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in order to apply for a TFN. They will forward you the necessary forms which you must complete and send back as soon as possible. Alternatively you may apply for your TFN online at their website, www.ato.gov.au.

The Medicare Scheme 

In order to obtain free public hospital care and subsidised medicines you need to apply for a Medicare Scheme within 7 to 10 days of moving to Australia. The government provides help with medical expenses through this Medicare Scheme. You can apply by going to a Medicare Centre with your passport, travel documents and permanent visa. After approximately 3 weeks you will receive your Medicare card and can use it.

Bank Accounts 

If you would like to open up a bank account you should try doing this within 6 weeks of moving to Australia, as you will only need you passport to open up a new bank account. If you decide to open up a bank account after 6 weeks you will need additional ID. Furthermore you should inform the bank of your Tax File Number in order to avoid having to pay higher taxes. On request income and salaries may be paid directly into bank accounts.

Centrelink

Centrelink is a government office that assists in job seeking, social security payments, family assistance payments and providing other help for those people living in Australia. In order to apply you must register with Centrelink at one of their offices. They can also help having your overseas skills recognised.

Australian Schools 

Schooling is compulsory in Australia for children between the ages of 5 and 15. Hence if your child is within this age bracket you must enrol them into a school. Australia offers government and non-government schools, where some schools are co-educational, teaching boys and girls and other schools teach girls only or boys only.

There is a national curriculum framework in place to ensure high academic standards across Australia. Subjects are taught in the eight key learning areas: English, mathematics, studies of the society and the environment, science, arts, Languages Other Than English, technology, and personal development, health and physical education.

If your child has difficulty speaking English, don’t worry, because schools have English language programs for international students in order to support their studies.

Driving In Australia

Driving in Australia is on the left side of the road. In order to sort out your drivers license you will need to apply for an Australian drivers license. You are allowed to drive using a license from another country for the first 3 months of being in the country, but after this you will need an official Australian Drivers licence. This requires undergoing a practical test, a knowledge test and an eyesight test. 

It is important to note that traffic regulations and drink driving laws in Australia are extremely strict, so make sure you know the laws and regulations before you start driving around the streets of Australia.