Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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 You must dig here and elsewhere and Web forums (since even Australian state websites are self-contradictory or outdated) to discover that admission on a temporary work visa (which is locked to a specific job) gives no access to state benefits despite the fact that you pay 40%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.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Living and Working in Australia: A Survival Handbook (Living & Working in Australia)
Written in an entertaining style with a touch of humour, Living and Working in Australia is designed to provide newcomers with the practical information necessary for a relatively trouble-free life. Its contents include finding a job, permits & visas, health, accommodation, finance, insurance, education, shopping, post office and telephone services, public transport, motoring, TV and radio, leisure, sports and much, much more. It is packed with vital information and insider tips to help minimize culture shock and reduce the newcomers rookie period to a minimum. Living and Working in Australia is essential reading for anyone planning to spend an extended period in Australia.
