OneTime
14-08-07, 05:18 AM
Further to the Information Booklet (http://www.greattrek.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1018) thread, and according to guidelines set out by the Australian Government Website (http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/settle-in-australia/to-do-first/index.htm) - here are some important things to think of doing as soon as you arrive to settle in Australia.
1. Apply for a Tax File number
You can't get paid until you do. Ring 132861 or visit www.ato.gov.au It's really easy.
2. Register with Medicare
The government provides basic medical care for all residents. Phone 132011 or visit http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/
3. Open a Bank Account
This is generally very easy compared to most countries - in your first 6 weeks you only need a passport to open an account. Typical larger banks are ANZ, WESTPAC, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Bendigo Bank, etc...
4. Register with Centrelink
Centrelink (http://www.centrelink.gov.au/)can help you find a job, arrange for recognition of your skills and qualifications, and to access certain courses, but usually only refugees and humanitarian entrants have access to full services.
5. Register for English Classes -
chances are, if you're reading this, you won't need to... :grin
6. Enrol your children in School -
School is compulsory for all kids under the age of 15. For more information, see here (http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/settle-in-australia/everyday-life/education/index.htm)
7. Apply for a drivers license.
You can drive for 3 months on an existing English license, or license with English translation. After that, you have to have an Australian license. Unfortunately, South Africans have to re-sit their test. British licenses are able to be swapped over without a test. Drivers licenses are governed by state, so you need to apply from the right authority...More here (http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/settle-in-australia/to-do-first/apply-drivers.htm)
Hope this helps.... :thumbs
1. Apply for a Tax File number
You can't get paid until you do. Ring 132861 or visit www.ato.gov.au It's really easy.
2. Register with Medicare
The government provides basic medical care for all residents. Phone 132011 or visit http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/
3. Open a Bank Account
This is generally very easy compared to most countries - in your first 6 weeks you only need a passport to open an account. Typical larger banks are ANZ, WESTPAC, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Bendigo Bank, etc...
4. Register with Centrelink
Centrelink (http://www.centrelink.gov.au/)can help you find a job, arrange for recognition of your skills and qualifications, and to access certain courses, but usually only refugees and humanitarian entrants have access to full services.
5. Register for English Classes -
chances are, if you're reading this, you won't need to... :grin
6. Enrol your children in School -
School is compulsory for all kids under the age of 15. For more information, see here (http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/settle-in-australia/everyday-life/education/index.htm)
7. Apply for a drivers license.
You can drive for 3 months on an existing English license, or license with English translation. After that, you have to have an Australian license. Unfortunately, South Africans have to re-sit their test. British licenses are able to be swapped over without a test. Drivers licenses are governed by state, so you need to apply from the right authority...More here (http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/settle-in-australia/to-do-first/apply-drivers.htm)
Hope this helps.... :thumbs