GENERAL INFORMATION AND USEFUL WEB SITES
Banking
You will need 100 points to be able to open a bank account. Your passport provides 70 points and the remaining points can be made up by documents such as your work permit, job offer letter, photo driver license ID. To open an account, simply go into any bank and they will do this on the spot for you. Australia does charge bank fees when you complete a transaction e.g. withdraw cash; write a cheque, this is normal practice. Banks are generally open 9.30am-4pm Monday-Thursday; 9.30am-5pm Friday.
Business Hours
General office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Post offices are open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Stamps are often available at front desks of hotels and motels and at selected retail outlets.
Taxes
You will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) to work in Australia. These can be applied for upon arrival in Australia and will be sent to you within 28 days of application. Without this number your employer will tax you at the highest rate (48%). However, you do have 28 days grace once you apply before this higher rate applies.
Tax Office Addresses:
100 Market Street, Sydney
Australian Taxation Office http://www.ato.gov.au
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is included on most goods in Australia, this is similar to VAT. This is charged at 10%.
Tax rates
In Australia, a taxpayer's income is taxed progressively. Broadly, this means that as you earn more income your average tax rate rises. Progressive taxation means that higher income earners pay more tax than lower income earners. This is achieved by taxing a range of income brackets as a set percentage or cents in the dollar. These income brackets are called tax brackets. The following tables detail the tax brackets of our progressive tax system for the financial years ending 30 June 2002 and 30 June 2003. The rate of tax within these brackets is called the marginal rate of tax. For Australian residents, the first tax bracket, from $0 to $6,000, has a zero marginal rate of tax. Tax is applied to every dollar after this figure. This tax-free amount is called the tax-free threshold.
Residents
These rates apply to individuals who:
• are residents of Australia for tax purposes for the whole financial year (see Reside.noy for more information), and
• did not leave full-time education for the first time during the financial year. Tax rates 2001-02 and 2002-03
Tax rates 2001-02 and 2002-03
| Taxable income |
Tax on this income |
| $0 - $6,000 |
Nil |
| $6,001 - $20,000 |
17c for each $1 over $6,000 |
| $20,001 - $50,000 |
$2,380 plus 30c for each $1 over $20,000 |
| $50,001 - $60,000 |
$11,380 plus 42c for each $1 over $50,000 |
| Over $60,000 |
$15,580 plus 47c for each $1 over $60,000 |
The above rates
do not include the lvledicare levy of 1.5%.
Tax offsets reduce the tax payable. Tax offsets based on taxable income levels apply to:
• individuals on low incomes (below $24,450 in 2001-02)
• individuals who receive
certain Australian government allowances and payments
•
Senior Australians.
Other
tax offsets apply to people with dependants, those living in remote areas and those who receive particular types of income or incur particular expenses.
Non-residents
If you are a non-resident for the full year, the following rates apply:
Tax rates 2001-02 and 2002-03
| Taxable income |
Tax on this income |
| $0 - $20,000 |
29c for each $1 |
| $20,001 - $50,000 |
$5,800 plus 30c for each $1 over $20.000 |
| $50,001 - $60,000 |
$14,800 plus 42c for each $1 over $50,000 |
| Over $60,000 |
$19,000 plus 47c for each $1 over $60,000 |
Non-residents are not required to pay the Medicare levy.
If you were a resident for only part of the year, refer to
Part-year tax-free threshold.
Tax on capital gains
Capital gains tax is not a separate tax, but a component of income tax. This means that the rate of tax you pay on a capital gain depends on your other income.
Example
Fran, an Australian resident, made a capital gain of $1,000 in 2001-02. Her taxable income from all other sources was $55,000. The tax rate which applies to income between $50,000 and $60,000 for 2001-02 is 42 cents per dollar plus Medicare levy of 1.5 cents per dollar.
The tax and Medicare levy which applies to Fran's capital gain is $435 (43.5 cents x $1,000).
Calculators
A simple tax calculator is available to help you calculate the tax on your taxable income. The comprehensive taxcalculatr., also takes into account Medicare levy, HECS/ SFSS repayments, tax offsets and tax credits to give you an estimate of the amount of your tax refund or debt.
If you want to know how much your employer (or other payer) is required to withhold from payments to you, use the Tax Withheld calculator or read how much tax should be taken fronm my pay?
More information
For more information on:
• tax offsets
• the rates which apply to people leaving full-time education for the first time, and
• the rates which apply to people who become residents of Australia or cease being residents of Australia
Refer to Tax Pack 2002 or call the Personal Tax Info line on 13 28 61.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Australia varies between Australian cities and the suburbs within those Cities. For UK Nurses, it is difficult to compare your salary in the UK with your salary in Australia, as the cost of living is so different. Rather than trying to convert your UK salary, for example, into Australian dollars, compare your Australian salary versus the cost of living in Australia.
Please note these costs are approximate and are to be used as a guide so that you understand your Australian Salary in the correct context.
| Loaf of bread |
$2.40 |
| Movie theatre ticket |
$13.50 |
| One bedroom flat |
$200.00 (may vary between suburbs) |
| Two bedroom flat |
$300.00 (may vary between suburbs) |
| Phone rental |
$30.00 per month |
| Kilogram of beef |
$12.00 |
| Coffee in coffee house |
$3.00 |
| Good bottle of wine |
$16.00 |
| 5km taxi ride |
$8.00 |
| Doctors Visit |
$45.00 although approx $20.00 paid by Medicare |
| Lunch (i.e. takeaway sandwich) |
$4.00 |
| Facial |
$60.00 per hour |
Salaries
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Australia ranges between $38,000 and $54,500 (plus penal rates) based on your evidence, of your years of service as a Registered Nurse. You will be able to discuss this further with us.
Evidence of Previous Service
The pay rates are determined by verification of your "Evidence of Previous Service". You will be required to provide written documents of evidence for your Registered Nurse years of experience. You are required to produce documentation of your employment length of service. Please ensure that your past and present employers provide a statement of employment for each Registered Nurse role including:
• Your position, e.g. Registered Nurse
• Full-time or part-time hours
• Day, month, year that you started and finished
• Must be presented on hospital letterhead and signed by your employer or personnel
You will not be able to obtain the Evidence of Previous Service document for your current position until you have a confirmed finish day, month and year. Employers do not accept documents that have a "start date until current".
Health Insurance
In some instances, when you work in Australia you are eligible for free health insurance under the Medicare Public Insurance Scheme. The Commonwealth Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, so citizens of these countries are entitled to Medicare cover. For more information the website address for Medicare is: www.hic.gov.au/Yourhealth/services_for_travellers/vtta.htm.
Medicare however does not cover such things as pre existing conditions and dental so it may be advisable to look at additional health insurance. Also nationalities not covered will need to purchase private health insurance. Some private health insurance companies are included in the following website e.g HBF, NRMA Health Insurance:
http://www.lifestyle.ninemsn.com.au/goodmedicine/insurance/default.asp
http://www.iman.com.au
Real Estate
Accommodation also varies in Australia between cities and suburbs. Like many cities around the world, inner city living and some coastal locations are more expensive.
Once you have narrowed down your choice of hospital within Sydney. Your Australian consultant will be able to discuss nearby suburbs with you and the approximate prices of rental properties. On average it is possible to rent a nice 2-bedroom house for between $300 and $400 per week, in a good area, depending on the suburb.
You could try searching on http://www.justlisted.com.au to get an idea of rental prices. Just click on real estate at the top of the page and enter your preferences.
Childcare
There are also many childcare facilities in Australia. The following website is a wealth of information for these, including fees, hours etc.
http://www.facs.gov.au
Climate The climate is generally pleasant. Broadly, there are two climatic zones. In the north, above the Tropic of Capricorn, about 40 per cent of Australia is in the tropical zone. The remaining areas lie in the temperate zone. Australia's seasons are:
| Spring |
September - November |
| Summer |
December - February |
| Autumn |
March - May |
| Winter |
June - August |
Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240volts, AC 50Hz. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.
Liquor Laws
Regulations on the consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages vary from state to state. You must be 18 years or older to buy or consume alcohol. Young travellers can be asked for evidence of age to gain entry to licensed venues or to purchase alcohol. Packaged alcoholic beverages are sold at hotels and liquor stores. At most tourist destinations there are many venues to choose from that trade up to 24 hours a day.
Pulic Holidays
| New Year's Day |
January 1 |
| Australia Day |
January 26 |
| Easter |
March/April |
| Anzac Day |
April 25 |
| Queen's Birthday |
June 12 |
| Christmas |
December 25-26 |
Generally, school holidays are from the middle of December until the end of January, then two weeks after Easter, two weeks in June-June and two weeks in September-October.
Shopping
Shopping hours vary from state to state but generally big department stores open from 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, with late night shopping either on Thursday or Friday until 9pm; and 9am-5pm on Saturday. NSW state has Sunday trading and major stores open.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in government buildings, on public transport including domestic flights, tourist coaches and inside all Australian airports. Some international airlines prohibit smoking while flying in Australian airspace. Many restaurants in Australia are moving towards non-smoking dining.
Telephones
Australia has a modern telephone system which enables you to make local calls, long distance calls within Australia (STD), and International Direct Dialing (IDD). Local calls from Telstra public payphones are un-timed and charged at 40c. Public payphones accept all Australian coins and Telstra Smart Phonecards that can be purchased from most newsagents and retail outlets. Creditphones accept most participating credit-card suppliers including Visa and can be found at international and domestic airports, central-city locations and many hotels. Country Direct is a service that lets you speak directly with an operator in your home country or you can use an automated service. For more information on Telstra services, see the Internet: www.telstra.com.au
Mobile phone users should check the international call range available with their service provider before traveling.
Time Difference
Most areas of Australia are 2-5 hours behind New Zealand, 2-3 hours ahead of Asia, 9-10 hours ahead of Europe and 16-20 hours ahead of the American continent. Daylight saving in summer also operates in the majority of states from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April.
Time Zones
There are three time zones in Australia – Eastern Standard Time (EST), which operates in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland; Central Standard Time (CST) in South Australia and Northern Territory; and Western Standard Time (WST) in Western Australian. CST is one half hour behind EST, while WST is two hours behind EST. Australian states except Northern Territory and Western Australian and Queensland have daylight saving during the summer months.
Money Matters
The Australian currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit. The bank notes which are plastic and not paper, are $5 (purple), $10 (blue), $20 (orange), $50 (yellow) and $100 (green). Coins are silver-coloured for 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and the gold-coloured for $1 and $2.
Credit Cards
The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa.
Customs
Strict laws prohibit or restrict the entry of drugs, steroids, firearms, protected wildlife and certain other products. There is no limit on the amount of Australian and/or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia, however, amounts over $5,000 must be declared.
Quarantine
Importation of fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs or egg products, vegetables, seeds, cultures, plants and plant-products is strictly controlled. There is up to 1 month in NSW quarantine for all domestic animals.
Driving
Australian's drive on the left-hand side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the vehicle. The maximum speed limit is 60 km/h in cities and 100km/h on country roads and highways. Very strict drink-driving laws apply and seatbelts must be worn by all people in the car.
Public Transport
Australia has an extensive public transport system that includes trains, buses, tramways, ferries, two major national airlines and a number of regional airlines.
Taxis
Metered taxicabs operate in all major cities and towns. There is a minimum flag fall charge then a charge per kilometer traveled. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.
Sun Protection
Enjoy outdoor activities such as sightseeing, bushwalking, boating and camping without the risk of harmful exposure to the sun by using simple skin protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, a shirt with a collar and sleeves and pH15+ broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen on exposed areas of the skin. Try and avoid the sun during the middle of the day, between 10am and 2pm (1 lam and 3pm) in daylight saving time) when the ultraviolet rays are at their strongest.
