Living and Working in Australia: A Survival Handbook

by David Hampshire

Suitable for those who aspire to live the good life in rural France, this title illustrates the pitfalls as well as the pleasures of rural life in France, including practical advice from buying... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1901130800
• ISBN13: 9781901130805
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Survival Books
• Length: 578 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

OK, but info on education is poorly presented

The "cultural" part of this book (and earlier editions) is useful viz, why seek a job in Australia and what to expect in day to day transactions. Information on "quality of life" is more for singles, families with young children, or retirees (although, unless a retiree comes from one of the few countries with reciprocal health-care agreements, s/he will pay a lot for private medical coverage). This book fails to present clear info on the ever evolving requirements for work/migration visas and what services a given visa allows your family to access. You must dig here and elsewhere and Web forums (since even Australian state websites are self-contradictory or outdated) to discover that admission on a temporary work visa (which is locked to a specific job) gives no access to state benefits despite the fact that you pay 40% taxes + local council taxes if you buy a home. With limited exceptions and reimbursement, you are gouged this way for 2 yrs before you can apply for a permanent resident visa (with additional requirements if you make this move over age 44). During that time your child is NOT allowed to compete for a merit-based slot in a state "selective" school, in most Australian states you must pay full school fees of $4500 to $5500/yr/child (primary & secondary, respectively, NOT twice this as an International Student as some state Web sites state), and would pay full University course fees ($40,000+ for 3 year course, more for 4) again despite full tax payments. With permanent residency, these restrictions disappear and your child can compete for a university place in a predetermined field of study (major) at a fee comparable to in-state US 4-yr state university tuition and a generally higher standard of instruction. The logic behind this is commendable: strong incentives to stay and contribute long-term. So, those with children and esp. those approaching age brackets 44, 49, and 54 should push toward permanent residency asap because the process can be slow.

Quite good

The greatest book I have ever bought about Australia, It has a lot of information related about this great country. It also has specific details on relevants information. This book is quite fun when you star to read it. I recomend this piece to everyone how wants going to Australia.

All information you need.

This book has a lot of information. It really helps you to decide what to do and where to go in Australia.

From someone who actually used it

I bought this book when I found out that my company had actually agreed to transfer me to Australia ... but they were giving me very little help in what to expect. This book is not a "travel" guide. It's a practical guide on how to settle down in Australia - things like, how to get a drivers licence, where to apply for a tax file number, even how to do a hook turn in Melbourne. It has never steered me wrong, and I've recommended it to many expat friends.A must-have if you're thinking about moving there.

Excellent masterpiece

Recommended and essential reading for anyone who are considering working in Australia