Working In Australia
A Profile On What To Expect When Working In Australia
The following information may be of help in deciding whether you would be interested in a quantity surveying, engineering, or project management job based in Australia.
Currency
The currency used is the Australian dollar (AUD), divided into 100 cents (¢). It is the 5th most traded currency in the foreign exchange market.
Political / Religious Climate
Australia’s system of government is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy, much like the UK. His Majesty King Charles III is Head of State. The Governor General is the representative of the King in Australia, representing Australia during State visits abroad and receiving royal visitors, heads of state and foreign ambassadors.
While extremely diverse in terms of religion, Christianity is the largest religion in Australia.
Australia is a federated country, divided into six states and two territories. The states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The two self-governing territories are the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. Each of these areas has different laws and regulations governing them, making it important to understand the differences when traveling or conducting business within Australia.
New South Wales is located in the south-east corner of Australia along its eastern coast; its capital city is Sydney. Queensland occupies the entire north-eastern region of Australia and its capital city is Brisbane. South Australia lies in central south region with Adelaide as its capital city. Tasmania occupies an island off mainland Australia’s southern coast.
Culture and Leisure
Australia is a country with a rich cultural heritage based on its Indigenous, colonial and contemporary migrant influences. It is often characterized by its relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle, strong sense of community and welcoming attitude towards newcomers. Australians enjoy outdoor activities such as barbecuing, beach-going and hiking in the bush – the outback.
The cost of living in Australia is generally slightly higher than that of the UK. Goods and services are more expensive due to higher taxes, tariffs, and shipping costs. The Australian dollar is also usually stronger than its British counterpart.
Despite these differences, however, a recent report from Numbeo showed that the overall cost of living in both countries is very similar. The report showed that the cost of basic groceries and consumer goods was on par between the two countries, as were meals out and rent for a one-bedroom apartment.
Overall, while there are differences between the cost of living in Australia and the UK, they are generally fairly small.
Accommodation and Education
For those looking for long-term accommodation, there are plenty of apartments and rental units available both in the city and in the suburbs. Many areas have their own specific regulations on renting out property, so it’s important to check local laws before signing any contracts. When deciding on where to stay, many Australians prefer to find a place close to public transport as this is often cheaper than owning or renting a car.
In Australia, school is compulsory for all children aged 6-17 years of age. Most Australian students attend either a government or private school. Government schools are free to attend and are funded by the state while private schools charge tuition fees.
The Australian curriculum consists of eight learning areas: English; Mathematics; Science; Humanities and Social Sciences; Health and Physical Education; Languages other Than English (LOTE); The Arts; and Technologies. All states follow the core principles of the national curriculum but some do make adaptations to cater to their specific needs.
Education in Australia also includes pre-school and tertiary education opportunities, as well as vocational training such as apprenticeships.
Visa Requirements
British citizens wishing to work in Australia must first obtain the necessary visa. The visa requirements vary from country to country, and you should check with an Australian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information. Generally speaking, however, if you are a British citizen looking to visit Australia for business purposes, you will need to apply for a Temporary Work (short stay activity) visa (subclass 400). This type of visa allows you to undertake short-term activities such as making business enquiries; taking part in conferences; negotiating contracts; or participating in certain programs.
If your purpose is to take up employment in the country, then you may need a different kind of visa: the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482). This type of visa is designed for skilled workers to stay in Australia and work for an approved business sponsor for up to four years. To apply, you will need a valid job offer as well as the approval of an Australian government agency or employer. You should also check whether you are eligible for any other types of visas available.