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Q. Finance: What is the taxation rate in Australia?
A. Australian tax is complex and, at first glance may seem high. It should be pointed out that there are significant deductions that are available for most professionals so taxation rates should be viewed with this in mind. A good accountant is essential around tax time (end of tax year is 30th June).
For further advice, please refer to: www.ato.gov.au
Q. Finance: What is the "Cost of Living" in Australia?
A. It is hard to make a direct comparison of cost of living by doing a straight conversion from your domestic currency because there are many other factors that come into effect - tax, lifestyle etc. However Australia is generally considered to have a very favourable standard of living compared to other developed countries. Many temporary residents in Australia are plesantly surprised at how inexpensive it is to live in Australia, and this is even more so for people living in the regional, coastal and rural areas of Australia.
The following is a guide, current as of November 2005
| Item |
Cost |
| Weekly train ticket |
$20 - $30 |
| Local phone call |
$0.40 |
| Can of coke |
$2 |
| Bottle of beer |
$4 - $6 |
| Big Mac, Coke + Fries |
$5.95 |
| Pub dinner for two |
$20 - $30 |
| Movies |
$14 |
| CD |
$30 |
| Haircut |
$30 - $80 |
Q. Finance: When do I become a resident for tax purposes in Australia?
A. There are two basic tests:- Did you spend more than 6 months in Australia? If you spend more than 183 days in an Australian tax year (1/7 to 30/6) you are tax resident in Australia from 1 July. Where do you reside (i.e. where do you eat, sleep and hang-up your clothes)?
You are a tax resident from the date of first residing as a matter of practice (technically though, same as above i.e. from 1 July).
For practical purposes you are probably an Australian tax resident from the date of first arrival.
Q. Personal: What sort of drivers licence do I need?
A. You can drive for up to three months after becoming an Australian resident in all States and Territories, if you have a driver's licence from another country, in English or with an official translation.
After that, if you want to drive, you will need to have the appropriate Australian driver's licence. To get one, you must pass a knowledge test, a practical test and an eyesight test.
Q. Personal: What is schooling like in Australia?
A. Australian law states that all children between 6 and 15 years old must attend school. If you are bringing your children you must enrol them in a school as soon as possible. Up until 12 or 13 years of age, children attend primary school and then go to secondary school (also called high school). The school year in Australia runs from January to December with a lengthy summer holiday and shorter holidays at Easter and in September.
Public or Private? - It is your choice as to whether you send your children to a government or a non-government school. Government schools are basically free, though it is best to check with each school to clarify their position on cost for temporary residents. Private Schools will always charge fees and they may charge more for overseas students.
Enrolling - You will need to approach the school of your choice directly to enrol your children. You will need to present them with your Australian entry visa, proof of date of birth, immunisation records and relevant papers such as school reports from their previous educational facilities.
Child Care - If your children are younger than school age there are many full-time and
part-time childcare services available. These are best sourced through the Yellow Pages telephone directory or through the local education department.
Q. Personal: How does the phone system work in Australia?
A. Telephones - To call a number in Australia from overseas you will need to dial the country code for Australia (61) followed by the area code then the number you are after. If you are calling any number from within Australia you will need to dial the state code (e.g. Queensland 07) and then the number. Calling internationally you need to start dialling with 0011 then the country code (e.g. UK is 0011 44)
Mobile Phones - Australia has one of the highest usages per capita in the world for mobile phones so you should have no problem finding service - indeed you should recognize many of the same international companies. Coverage is now pretty comprehensive, even in quite small towns and on remote roads.
Prices as everywhere are higher then they need to be but not bad by international standards.
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