Living and Working in Australia

Deciding to live and work in Australia can be the most exciting decision of your life. With its laid back and diverse people, a whole lot of sunshine, and a booming economy, it’s easy to see why people from all over the world seek to make the Land Down Under their new home. Before packing your stuff and hopping on that plane, here are essential things that you need to know.

Visas

One of the most important things that you need to know before going to Australia to work is the kind of visa that you need to obtain. Individuals whose skills and profession are in the skilled occupations list are the government’s top priority. If your occupation is on the list, go ahead and make an expression of interest. Doing so will enable you to move to OZ permanently.

Not ready to commit for the long haul? Then the temporary skilled visa (457 visa) might be for you. This kind of visa allows a company to sponsor you for up to four years. That is, if you are eligible. Find out by looking at the consolidated skilled occupation lists.

Millennials under age 31 can take advantage of the working holiday visa. This is particularly useful if your job is not on the skilled occupation list and you just would like to make some money while on the road. With this kind of visa, you are entitled live and work in the Land Down Under for a year. Note though that you can only work for one employer for a maximum of six months.

Minimum Wages

Australian cities are among those with the highest minimum wage. In fact, Sydney bested the likes of Paris, Los Angeles, and Berlin in a recent survey. Data from AU’s Fair Work Ombudsman pegs the national minimum wage at $ 18.93 per hour or $ 719.20 per 38-hour work week, before taxes. Due to a high minimum wage, Aussie cities are among the most affordable places to live in if you are a young person.

Prior to taking any job, it is best to read up on the minimum wage for your specific industry. Visit Fair Work Online < www.fairwork.gov.au> for more information.

Working Conditions

Skilled and professional individuals from varied industries flock to Australia for good reasons. Aside from fantastic pay, employers need to follow the strict National  Employment Standards (NES). These are 10 minimum standards that should be adhered to. It details what to expect in terms of maximum weekly hours of work, requests for flexible working arrangement, parental and annual leave, as well as personal, community, and long service leave. NES also has a provision on public holidays, notice of termination and redundancy pay, as well as a provision of a Fair Work Information Statement.

For a more detailed discussion of the NES, visit < www.fairwork.gov.au>.

Jobs in Demand

To qualify for skilled migration in OZ, you must nominate an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), if you are applying for skilled migration via a nomination by a Territory. In general, occupations related to construction, health, and business are in demand.

A recent study by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) projects that by 2024, healthcare workers, teachers, and accountants will dominate the workforce. This is consistent with the shift towards higher-skills jobs in the labour market.

Cost of Living

Financial preparation is key to surviving and thriving in Australia. Costs associated with living and working in Australia vary per location. According to cost of living website, Numbeo, Hobart is the place to be if you want a more budget-friendly lifestyle. Sydney, on the other hand, is the most expensive place to live.

To afford a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s city center requires $ 2681.48 per month, while not even a fourth is required if you live in Hobart ($ 683.33). The trend is also applicable to groceries and prices of meals at restaurants. Hobart, the Gold Coast, and Cairns are among the most budget-friendly while Darwin and Sydney have skyrocketing prices.

Before committing to a job, consider the cost of living in an area. Think about the sustainability of working and living there. Ask: Will my salary cover my living cost? Will this be sustainable and profitable?

As you can see, living and working in Australia can be the equally fun and challenging. Know the essentials prior to going embarking on your Land Down Under adventure.