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Western Australia
wants you! Fed up with Britain? The Western Australian Local Government is crying out for highly skilled migrants from the UK
: n i w r a D LVI AN EVO
NG CITY
rnell Chris Fa Northern visits the l ’s capita Territory
The Australian dream
British interest in Antipodean property continues to soar
Expat profile Matt’s story
Migration news, Ask the Expert, Economic guide, What’s on…
PLUS
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EDITORIAL Editor: Ian Armitage Writers: Colin Chinery Chris Farnell
BUSINESS General Manager: Andy Ellis Research Manager: Andy Williams Researchers: Nicholas Davies Elle Watson Dave Hodgson Chris Bolderstone Stuart Shirra Sales Administrator: Abby Nightingale
ACCOUNTS Financial Controller: Nick Crampton Accounts: Margaret Roberts, Alexandra Buchlakova PRODUCTION & DESIGN Magazine Design: Optic Juice Production Manager: Jon Cooke Pictures: Getty Images, Thinkstock News: AAP, SAPA, NZPA DIGITAL & IT Head of digital marketing and development : Syed Ahmad TNT PUBLISHING CEO: Kevin Ellis Chairman: Ken Hurst Publisher: TNT Publishing Ltd Australia and New Zealand Outlook, The Royal, Bank Plain, Norwich, Norfolk, UK. NR2 4SF TNT Magazine, 10 Greycoat Place, London. SW1P 1SB Tntmagazine.com ENQUIRIES Tel: +44 (0)1603 3432267 Fax: +44 (0)1603 283602 Email: ian.armitage@tntmagazine.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Call: +44 (0)1603 343267 Email: subscriptions@anzoutlook.com
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Western Australia
wants you!
Are you bored with life in the UK? Do you want to start a new one Down Under? If so, then this is the magazine for you. Australia tops the polls when it comes to which countries most Britons would choose to emigrate to and its desirability stems from so many factors - it is a country where the quality of life is very high, the employment prospects are plentiful, the education available is world class and the healthcare facilities are very good. On page 22, we have a fascinating piece from Declan Clune, Registered Migration Agent with Visafirst. He talks openly about the opportunities for Brits in Western Australia, a state full of opportunity, but which is currently threatened by massive skills shortages. This month we also look at the Northern Territory’s capital Darwin, the big events happening Down Under, talk to expats about their experiences and assess the current state of Australia’s economy. We’ve got news, essential travel information, expert advice and top tips for making a new life Down Under too. The journey starts here! Ian Armitage Editor AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
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CONTENTS
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22 PAGE
24
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28
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PAGE
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TS
06 News 12 Migration Update 16 What's on...
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Western Australia ! want s you
tain? Fed up with Bri stralian The Western Au ent is Local Governm highly crying out for ts skilled migran from the UK
Our guide to the unmissable events, holidays and celebrations in Australia and New Zealand this month
18 Ask the expert
Judith Gardner, Galya Bosolova and Stoyan Dimov of Taxback.com answer your questions
22 Western Australia wants YOU!
Western Australia wants you says Declan Clune, Registered Migration Agent with Visafirst
24 Expat profile: Matt's story
With the job opportunities being what they have for the last few years, it’s not surprising that some students, decide that they’ll have better luck on the other side of the planet
28 Trekking in Thailand
Trekking in Thailand – a great stopover destination - is gruelling but incredible, Carol Driver says
: arwin
D
V AN E
Y G C IT O L V IN
l Farnel n Chris orther the N pital visits ry’s ca Territo
m erty The Australiestanin drea Antipodean prop British inter continues to soar
Expat profile
Matt’s story Expert, news, Ask the PLUS Migratione, What’s on… Economic guid
32 The Australian economy: boom or bust? Everyone seems to agree that things are looking good for Australia at the moment, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep an eye out for potential risks
36 Traveller's guide... Darwin Chris Farnell visits Darwin
40 Buying property in Australia British interest in Antipodean property continues to soar, says Ian Armitage
44 Next month AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
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NEWS Crocodile Dundee star found dead Tiger Airways Three-time Australian Film Institute award winner David Ngoombujarra, known for roles in films such as Crocodile Dundee II, Australia, Kangaroo Jack and Rabbit-Proof Fence, has been found dead near Perth in Western Australia. He was 44. Ngoombujarra, one of the country’s best-known Aboriginal actors, was found dead in a park in Fremantle, the port city near Perth. Police said they are waiting for a toxicology report to determine the cause of death but say it was not suspicious.
L L A B D N A H DER REF BLUN
Y R R O S S Y A S
missing an apologised for e re fe re e al m as win over A fe ring the Matild du ll ba nd ha s ld Cup obviou e women’s Wor th at a ne ui G l Equatoria on Sunday. ht and held on to nder Bruna caug a defe is Equatorial Guine g a Leena Kham seconds followin o tw nd a ou ar ng r vi fo the ball ork, belie d off the woodw de un bo re d ha effort which en awarded. rian free-kick had be ound but Hunga ball drop to the gr e th t le en th e Sh on. i Gaal waved play referee Gyoengy minutes later. a scored just five Equatorial Guine tant referee. issed by the assis m so al as w nt The incide
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stop ticket
sales Grounded Australian budget carrier Tiger Airways stopped ticket sales July 6 following pressure from the consumer regulator, which expressed surprise at how it could promise to deliver flights. Tiger posted a notice on its website saying “flights have been temporarily removed from sale” due to its grounding by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) over safety concerns. “Discussions with CASA regarding a resumption of services are ongoing and constructive,” Tiger added. Tiger was banned from flying domestically by aviation regulators over “serious and imminent” safety risks.
ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Families celebrate Pike mine re-entry The families of the 29 miners killed at New Zealand’s Pike River mine were celebrating June 28 after it emerged authorities had re-entered the mine. The receivers of the now-defunct mining company had maintained gas levels were too high to allow a recovery operation, but it is now safe to enter. The families spent months campaigning to have the bodies of those killed returned. “It’s a good day, finally. A very good day,” said the local mayor Tony Kokshoorn as a team of recovery workers entered the doomed South Island coalmine for the first time since the November 19 disaster. “It feels like a new start.” The steps towards body recovery will be slow, with families warned the technically difficult process of securing the mine and tunnelling around a rockfall to the work site 2.5km in could take up to two years.
In the first stage, teams of six New Zealand Mines Rescue workers will work in two-hour shifts to build an air seal 168m into the mine. Statutory mine manager Steve Ellis said building the seal, effectively a 6.2-metre wide and 4.2-metre high plug, would be a tough job. “It’s like building a house slab but vertically. You’d be struggling to do that outdoors. It’s a big job.” The teams will work their way slowly into the mine, building more airlocks as they go, until they reach a rockfall shown on computer imagery about 2.3km in. Kokshoorn, the mayor of Grey District, said the development softened the frustration many families were feeling. “This is a new day. It’s all positive now,” he said. “We’ve broken through now. We’re not looking down a hole. We’re in the hole.”
NZ firefighters to go on strike Around 1800 professional firefighters in New Zealand will go on a partial strike after the Fire Service refused to meet demands for an 8.9 percent pay increase.
The strike action would not affect basic firefighting jobs, but firefighters will not be filling in the paperwork once they returned to the station, New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union president Steve Warner told NZPA. Negotiations had been
ongoing for seven months. The Fire Service is offering 2.5 percent but the union is seeking 3.75 percent pay increase back dated for the first six months of this year and another five percent increase for the following financial year.
AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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NEWS Sydneysiders offered cash to move Sydney residents have been offered A$7,000 to leave the city and resettle in rural New South Wales (NSW). The NSW government is offering the financial incentives to encourage families to go and live in the countryside. Sydney already has some 4.5 million residents and is predicted to grow by 40 percent by the middle of the century. Housing stocks are low, property prices
are high and the infrastructure is already buckling under the pressure. It is hoped that the relocation grants will persuade people to ditch the beach for the bush and help boost rural areas. Australia is one of the world’s most thinly populated countries, but almost a quarter of people live in Sydney, it’s most populous city The A$7,000 (£4,700; $7,500) grants are to help people buy homes in the country.
SENATOR MARY JO FISHER
ACCUSED OF
SHOPLIFTING
Flamboyant South Australian federal politician Mary Jo Fisher has been charged with allegedly stealing groceries from a supermarket and assaulting a security guard who apprehended her.
The Lib era l Sen ato r cou ld fac e the loss of her Sen ate pos itio n if she is con vic ted of eith er cha rge in the Ade laid e Ma gist rate s Cou rt.
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Fisher will stand trial in September after being charged with one count of dishonestly taking property without the owner’s consent and one count of assault. The
charges will be contested. While the alleged offence occurred on December 15 last year, she was only charged on summons on May 5 this year.
ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
F E I R B N I S NEW
in Australian Test Capta will not be playing KE AR CL MICHAEL ue. Clarke revealed in the Big Bash Leag stralia’s revamped he snubbed Cricket Au n and won’t play Twenty20 competitio sing to focus on in it this summer, choo ents. “With the international commitm erybody involved in greatest respect to ev sh League, I will not the KFC T20 Big Ba s year,” the new Test be committing for thi skipper said.
ALLY ABUSED A Perth man who SEXU of 15 years has been six girls over a period lf years. Steven jailed for nine and a ha aded guilty to 27 Robert Fuller, 55, ple ences in the Perth counts of child sex off
lested the girls, who District Court. He mo en and 16, over a were aged between sev 1987 and 2001. 15-year period between
GLER has A West Australian AN 40,000 instead been fined almost A$ g to appear in of A$750 after failin of overfishing court to face charges Trevor Waters, by more than 125kg. in absentia in 46, was found guilty rates Court of the Mandurah Magist 5.17kg of frozen illegally possessing 14 over the 20kg fish fillets - 125.17kg total of A$38,423 limit. He was fined a fine for the offence, comprising a A$750 al penalty of a mandatory addition A$122. A$37,551 and costs of
Brown dismisses calls for him to
change his AFL approach Injured Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown says he’s the victim of freakish accidents, not stupidity. “I have been surprised and disappointed by some of the hysteria that has followed my season-ending injury,” Brown said in his Courier-Mail column. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve been carried from the ground with concussion, and suddenly I’m meant to be reckless, crazy, dangerous and irresponsible for letting my team down.
“I try to keep a pretty thick skin about this sort of thing, but ... this is a bit much. “Yes, it’s disappointing I’ve copped a busted jaw for the second time this year, and will miss the last six games. Nobody feels that more than me. But it’s a pretty long bow to make me out as a serial offender.” Critics had urged the Aussie hardman to change his fearless attacks on the ball following a spate of injuries.
AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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NEWS Former Australia captain John Eales inducted into Wallabies Hall of Fame Australia’s two-time IRB Rugby World Cup winner John Eales has been inducted into the Wallabies Hall of Fame. Eales made 86 Test appearances over a decade and captained the Wallabies 55 times. Under his captaincy, the Wallabies won a World Cup 1999, four Bledisloe Cups from 1998 to 2001, two Tri-Nations trophies in 2000 and 2001, and claimed a series win against the British Lions in 2001. He was also a member of Australia’s winning team in the 1991 World Cup final at Twickenham.
The 41-year-old joins the likes of Ken Catchpole, John Hipwell, Mark Loane, Mark Ella, David Campese and Nick Farr-Jones in the Wallabies Hall of Fame.
Shane Watson signs for Sydney Sixers Shane Watson will play for Sydney Sixers in the inaugural KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League. The New South Wales allrounder told Fox Sports News he was taken by the exciting group of youngsters assembled by Sixers’ KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League team general manager, Stuart Clark. “Stuart Clark and all the hierarchy at the Sydney Sixers have done brilliantly well to get the talent, young talent especially, that we’ve been able to assemble at the Sydney Sixers,” Watson said.
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Australia vice-captain Watson, one of the star players in the world in all three forms of the game, averages 41.55 with the bat in Test cricket, and 43.74 from 133 ODIs. He posted 185 not out from 96 balls against Bangladesh in April 2011 - the highest ODI innings by an Australia player.
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migration update 457 visa threshold indexed to maintain wage growth The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced an increase to salary thresholds that apply to the 457 visa programme. The temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT) will be indexed by 3.9 percent for all new nominations, in line with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report on average weekly earnings. The TSMIT will rise from A$47,480 to A$49,330, an increase that ensures salaries for subclass 457 visa holders keep pace with annual wage growth for all Australians. This change leaves existing subclass 457 visa holders unaffected unless they change employer and require a new nomination. “This annual change
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ensures that new nominated salaries for the subclass 457 programme keep pace with wage inflation. If market salary rates for the position are below the new threshold, the position will not be eligible for the 457 programme,” a DIAC spokesman said. Market salary rates, an integral part of the 457 programme, require employers to provide temporary skilled workers the same terms and conditions as Australians
who undertake equivalent work in the same workplace. This mitigates potential exploitation of foreign workers and prevents employers undercutting Australian wages and conditions. “The 457 programme is highly responsive to the Australian labour market,” the spokesman added. “The department continues to make it clear that subclass 457 visa holders should not be employed ahead of local workers.”
Keep track of the latest news and developments on moving Down Under
Sydney's growth areas
to get 13,000 homes Transport and services must be in place when people move into the 13,000 new homes earmarked for Sydney’s major growth centres, businesses have warned. NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has announced 10,000 homes will be built in Sydney’s northwest with another 3000 in the region’s southwest. “Home ownership in Sydney remains a dream for many young families,” he said. “My government will build the homes Labour failed to provide and ensure residents have jobs and services on their doorstep.” The decision has been met with cautious support from the Sydney Business Chamber, which says the government needs to also deliver jobs, services and public transport. “The lesson to be learned from the previous government is to deliver jobs, services and transport when people move into their new homes, rather than five, 10 or 20 years later,” said the organisation’s executive director Patricia Forsythe. The plan is for an 1800 Ha site at Marsden, predominantly owned by Wintern property group, to contain 10,000 medium density homes. Building is expected to start in about two years with the remaining 800 Ha set aside as open space.
Aus job market
strong, rate rise unlikely The Australian jobs market is still strong, with full-time employment bouncing back in June from two months of losses. The number of people with jobs rose by 23,400 in June, seasonally adjusted, driven by a 59,000 rise in full-time employment, reversing falls in the previous two months. The Australian Bureau of Statistics said that the unemployment rate stayed at 4.9 percent for the second month in a row in June, after it dipped in April to a two and a half year low of 4.8 percent. The strong figures are however unlikely to prompt an interest rate rise from the central bank, say economists. Rates have been kept on hold since last November.
AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
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migration update Outlook strong despite
global risks: Swan Australian treasurer Wayne Swan says while there are “heightened risks” in the global economy, Australia’s medium term growth prospects are strong. He was commenting after the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) minutes from its July board meeting left economists believing there was a shift in the central bank’s tone regarding the interest rate outlook. Swan said that despite problems in the global economy people shouldn’t lose sight that Australia’s medium term growth prospects remain strong, pointing to the
country’s low unemployment, strong job creation, record terms of trade and a huge pipeline of mining investment. “There’s no doubt that recently we’ve seen heightened risks in the global economy, and this is clearly having an impact on markets as well as consumers,” he said in a statement. Swan added that the higher dollar and a cautious consumer are making things tough for some sectors, as was Opposition Leader Tony Abbott’s “nation-wide fear campaign”, which can only make things tougher for businesses.
A$ stronger on Greek deal At 1700 AEST on July 22, the Aussie was trading at 108.34 US cents, up from 107.38 US cents. It was strengthened after Greece’s second bailout package was announced. The leaders of 17 European countries and the International Monetary Fund agreed to grant debt-riddled Greece a second bailout package worth 109 billion euros (A$145 billion), in addition to the 110 billion euros already granted last year. Markets, appeased by the good news of a bailout 14
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package to counter the Greek debt crisis, will now turn their focus to the outcome of US debt ceiling negotiations. The Australian dollar traded between a low of 108.21 US cents and a high 108.48 US cents on July 22.
Keep track of the latest news and developments on moving Down Under
Aussie cities becoming
NZ more expensive
for expats, but
world's priciest much cheaper than Oz The strength of the Australian dollar is making Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane some of the world’s most expensive cities, according to a global survey.
It’s now cheaper to live in London, Vienna, Rome, Berlin, Hong Kong and Beijing than most Australian capitals, the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living survey found. Sydney is now the sixth priciest city in the world, up from 32nd place two years ago. Melbourne jumped from 38th to seventh. Perth and Brisbane, meanwhile, are ranked 13th and 14th. Survey author Jon Copestake said the strength of Australia’s dollar was partly to blame for skyrocketing living costs Down Under. “Rising domestic prices, partly due to rising oil and commodity prices, have been compounded by the strength of the Australian dollar, which achieved parity with the US dollar earlier this year, compared to being worth around half that much 10 years ago,” Copestake said. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living survey also found Australian cities were among the most expensive for business trips. Copestake warned visitor numbers could be hit if Australia’s cost of living continued to escalate. “Australia has long been an attractive destination, with Melbourne and Sydney becoming international cities in their own right,” he said.
The strength of the New Zealand dollar has made the country a more expensive place for expatriates to move to, but it remains far cheaper than Australia. In Mercer’s annual cost of living survey, Auckland has moved up to 118th place from 149 the year before, while Wellington rose to 136 from 163. Sydney moved up 10 places to 14, Melbourne lifted from 33 to 21, Perth surged 30 places to rank 30, Canberra rose 40 places to 34, and Adelaide was up 44 places to 46. Sarah Barnaby of Mercer said that rising costs, due to currency fluctuations and natural disasters had presented challenges for multinational organisations managing workforces in New Zealand, but that did not diminish its appeal to expatriates or their employers.
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What’s on... 21 Jul
Darwin Cup Carnival
2l1y-A7ug
Melbourne International Film Festival
y Aug
Ju
5 AU 8
G Aug
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Darwin, Northern Territory The Darwin Cup Carnival officially kicks off on Saturday 2 July 2011 and culminates in the running of the Darwin Cup on Monday 1 August 2011. The programme also features Ladies Day, where the ladies can show off their finery and enjoy a sumptuous lunch and a glass of bubbly. www.darwinturfclub.org.au
Melbourne, Victoria This iconic event has a devoted audience. The Melbourne International Film Festival is a feast of cinema, heavily garnished with parties and special events that envelop the CBD. It turns 60 this year, making it one of the oldest film festivals in the world (one year younger than Cannes!). www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au
Garma Festival Gove Penninsula, Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory Garma is a Yolngu word that describes a ‘two-way learning process’. Yolngu culture is one of the oldest living cultures on earth, stretching back over 40,000 years, and the Garma Festival is a celebration of that Yolngu cultural inheritance. www.garmafestival.com.au www.anzoutlook.com
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Our guide to the unmissable events, holidays and celebrations in Australia and New Zealand this month Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge Coffs Harbour Jetty, Coffs Harbour,
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New South Wales Rotary Coffs City is holding the bcu Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge. The event is a ride of 100 kilometres starting and finishing at the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores. The 2011 Challenge will have eight different categories to enter suiting all cyclists. www.coffscoastcyclechallenge.com
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week Hamilton Island, Queensland Spectators and yachties from around the globe sail to Hamilton Island in August for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, Australia’s largest annual offshore keelboat regatta. Race Week is one of Australia’s favourite yachting events and a firm fixture on the international sailing calendar. www.hamiltonisland.com.au/events
Tri Nations (Bledisloe Cup): Australia vs New Zealand MELBOURNE CUP
40 Castlemaine Street, Brisbane City, Queensland This, the final match of the 2011 Tri Nations, is less than two weeks before the opening game of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The only other Tri Nations Test to be played in Australia will be when the Wallabies take on the Springboks (South Africa) at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on 23 July. The 2011 Tri Nations will be played over two rounds, home and away, as opposed to the current three rounds. Tickets available at Ticketek from 19 July. www.ticketek.com.au AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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ASK THE EXPERT Q
I’m English and ha ve lived in New Zealand fo r six years. I’m moving to Au stralia to work for my current em ployer (it will be a permanent mov e) and wondered how it’ll affect m y tax position? Jim, Christchurch
A
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Judith These questions were answered by Bosolova, ya Gardner, UK Tax Manager, Gal Dimov, UK Tax Filing Team, and Stoyan Tax, Team Leader – Oz & New Zealand one eph Fre ils: Taxback.com. Contact deta , or com ack. 0808 2381 611, email uk@taxb visit www.taxback.com/anzoutlook
Jim, your move for the purpose of a permanent employment to Australi in with us stat r will definitely change you to be ld Australia. First step for you wou
obtain a tax file number. Australia for a long Assuming that you will remain in dent for tax purposes – the period and be considered as resi s in Australia are: standard individual tax office rate nuation if you are eran You will be also liable to pay Sup Tax rates 2010-11 Taxable income 0 - A$6,000 A$6,001 - A$37,000 A$37,001 - A$80,000
Tax on this income Nil
15c for each A$1 over A$6,000 A$4,650 plus 30c for each A$1 over A$37,000 37c for each A$1 A$80,001 - A$180,000 A$17,550 plus 0 over A$80,00 A$54,550 plus 45c for each A$1 A$180,001 and over over A$180,000
Q
working in Australia and your monthly wage is more than A$450.00. In this case, your employer will generally contribute an amount equal to nine percent of your wage into a superannuation account for you. As you will no longer be a NZ tax resident and are not going to receive income from New Zealand from the date you leave, you will need to inform the New Zealand Inland Revenue about the change of your status in New Zealand. You can state that you are leaving New Zealand permanently by filling in a refund application and submitting your IR50 form.
Am I taxed on mon ies I bring into Australia at the tim e I move? Anon
tralia, onal funds that you transfer to Aus There is generally no tax on pers have you that sion received from a pen however, any lump sum payments uld sho ject to tax in Australia. You transferred to Australia will be sub resident for tax purposes, you will also be aware that after you become rseas investment income r worldwide income, including ove be liable for Australian tax on you and capital gains. following link: status using the tool located at the You can determine your residency esident.XR4&go=ok s/axos.asp?CONTEXT=&KBS=R axo pts/ scri .au/ .gov s.ato ator lcul http://ca
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Q
in the middle of I’m 25 years old, a student, and I’m currently l Australia and a medicine degree. I’m taking a year out to trave my flat in the UK will be working on my trip. I’m also renting out out there. I’m while off) (I don’t have a mortgage; it is paid I’m paying sure What will I have to pay tax on and how to I make as little tax as possible?
Chris, Newcastle
agement include insurance, agent and man Chris, unless you nts) fees, repairs (but not improveme move to Australia for rred incu e itur end and certain other exp a full tax year (i.e. you tion nec wholly and exclusively in con leave before 6th of the with the rental. If you are letting 5th April r afte rn retu and r yea one in il Apr claim the property furnished, you cannot likely to the following year), then you are fittings and e itur cost of providing furn purposes. remain resident in the UK for tax renewing of t but can either claim the cos liable to This means that you will remain r and tear allowance. your time such items or a wea ng duri me inco r you all on tax UK the one For a short term letting such as for in Australia, including any earnings tear and r wea the , you are undertaking a. work done while you are in Australi option er bett allowance is likely to be the Your Australian earnings will also of ent – basically you can claim 10 perc ever, How tax. ian tral Aus to le liab be tax if your rental income (after council it for you will be able to claim a cred as a alf) beh nt’s tena r you pay this on you UK tax the Australian tax against your wear and tear allowance. liability on this income. that you You will need to advise HMRC As you are retaining your UK tax the 5th have received rental income by ired to resident status you will not be requ tax year the of end October following the me you pay any Australian tax on the inco ced. men com in which the rental income in the receive from renting out your flat ing the So, for example, if you start rent more for UK the ing leav are you If . UK d to property in August 2011, you nee ted as a than six months, you will be trea They 2. 201 r obe Oct inform HMRC by 5 ns that non-resident landlord. This mea to d nee you whether be required will advise you on your tenant or letting agent may or if rn complete a self assessment tax retu rently to deduct tax at the basic rate (cur ugh the the liability can be dealt with thro you. If 20 percent) from any rents paid to PAYE system. under the this is the case you may register tralia If you do receive earnings in Aus approval non-resident landlord scheme for self then you will need to complete a d. to receive rents with no tax deducte income. assessment tax return to report this you date to up are irs affa tax r you d Provide have The deadline for reporting that you l. should be able to get this approva as e sam the received foreign income is your You will have to pay UK tax on ober Oct for the rental income, i.e. the 5th ulated rental profits. The profits are calc in which following the end of the tax year less me inco al rent r you ng by taki ived. expenses the income is rece allowable expenses. Allowable
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ASK THE EXPERT citizen) from the UK (I’m a British I’m moving to New Zealand and have endant). I’ve sold my house as soon as possible (visa dep . No gle Sin life. I’m a carpenter. significant savings for my new position, tax nted to know more about my children. 30 years old. I wa pensions etc. I ount, transferring funds and acc k ban new a g nin ope s, obligation Zealand (I read you pay ut the tax situation in New also wanted to learn more abo ? 40 percent of your earnings) Nick, Norfolk something like 12 percent on
Q A
The worldwide income of a New Zealand tax resident is subject to tax. You will be liable to tax only on your New Zealand-sourced income as long as you are non-resident of New Zealand. The overseas income of individuals who are new migrants may qualify for a fouryear temporary tax exemption. Personal income taxes rates are based on a progressive system of taxation: Taxable income (NZ$)
up to $14,000
Income tax rates 12.5 percent
from $14,001 to $48,000
21 percent
from $48,001 to $70,000
33 percent
$70,001 and over
38 percent
Q
Hi ANZOutlook. Love the magazine. I’m interested ng in learni more about the taxback.com TaxTracker. Could you tell me more? Tyler, London
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Resident withholding tax is generally required to be deducted from payments of interest to New Zealand residents. If a payment of interest incurs due to exchange rate difference in the period you transferred your funds into NZ$, that payment may be taxable from the moment you become resident of NZ. In terms of transferring your pension fund to New Zealand, the organisation of the transfer will determine the tax liability in New Zealand. In case the pension fund is transferred to a qualified New Zealand superannuation fund, it qualifies under the New Zealand benefits rules and it is tax free. If you transfer 25 percent of it as lump sum income, the amount of pension transferred in form of a lump sum will be taxable in New Zealand. In terms of transferring your pension fund in New Zealand, it would be recommendable to seek advice in relation to your tax liability from the UK taxation law side.
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The taxback.com TaxTracker® is a secure, personal online account which allows customers to track and monitor the step by step progress of their tax refund. It can be used to update contact and employment details, downloads forms, receive payments, and communicate with the taxba ck. com team 24/7. TaxTracker® has more than 82,000 visits per month and is available in nine languages.
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stralia? Anon What are income rates in Au
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The standard individual tax office rates in Australia for 2010-11 are: For more information, visit http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/ content.aspx?doc=/content/64150. 2 htm&mnu=43661&mfp=001/00
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Tax rates 2010-11 Taxable income 0 - A$6,000 A$6,001 - A$37,000
Tax on this income Nil
15c for each A$1 over A$6,000 plus 30c for each A$37,001 - A$80,000 A$4,650 A$1 over A$37,000 A$17,550 plus 37c for A$80,001 each A$1 over A$80,000 A$180,000 0 plus 45c for A$180,001 and over A$54,55 each A$1 over A$180,000
Wh a t i s a S u p e r a n n u a t i o n f u n d ? JJen, Exeter
Superannuation funds (which are referred to as ‘supers’ in Australia) were introduced by the Australian Government as a way of saving for retirement. Anyone working in Australia who earns more than A$450 per month will have nine percent of their wages paid into a superannuation fund by
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their employer on their behalf. Every year, temporary residents who have worked in Australia leave behind millions of dollars in super funds. Many of them don’t know that they are entitled to receive their super benefits once they leave Australia. This payment is called
Q
Hi ANZOutlook, I have a simple tax question (but the simplest are often the most
important!)… when does the Australian tax year start? James, Southport
a departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP) or put more simply, a superannuation refund. Taxback.com can organise superannuation refunds for anyone who has left Australia permanently and whose visa has expired. Refunds can be claimed from as far back as 1994 and clients receive an average refund of A$1480. For more information about Australian Superannuation, visit http:// www.anzoutlook.lnk.taxback.com/au-taxrefund-whm-faq.asp or email your query to australia@taxback.com.
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The Australian tax year is from July 1st to June 30th the following year. Australian tax refunds for temporary residents can still be claimed from as far back as 1998 so if you’ve worked in Oz any time since 1998, and haven’t yet applied for your tax refund, you could be in for a nice surprise. If you’re planning to work in Australia, and remain there for more than a year, you can fi le your tax return once the tax year ends on June 30th. Taxback.com customers get an average Australia tax refund of A$2500. For more information about Austr alian tax, visit https://lnk-2-anzoutlook.secure.taxback.com / au-tax-services.asp. AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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working down under
WesternAustralia wants you!
By Declan Clune, Registered Migration Agent with Visafirst.com
T
he Western Australian Local Government is crying out for highly skilled migrants from the UK and Ireland. A massive skills shortage threatens the start and continuation of major planned resource and infrastructural projects in Western Australia (WA). The state government is looking to Ireland and the UK to fill those skills shortages. Visafirst.com is meeting with Western Australia’s Training and Workforce Development Minister, Peter Collier, industry officials from the Chamber of Commerce, Industry of WA (CCI) and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) in July. The meeting will focus on assisting UK and Irish skilled migrant applicants to get both temporary and permanent positions in Western Australia. Visafirst will ensure that applicants meet 22
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the visa requirements and that their skills are assessed as eligible before being put forward for positions. The resources and mining sector tends to catch all the headlines in Australia – looking for occupations ranging from civil engineers to project managers and quantity surveyors to environmental health and safety managers. However, there is little mention in the media of the teachers, nurses, IT professionals, accountants, construction trades, mechanics, town planners and other occupations that have also experienced a massive skills shortage. The shortage is due to the ripple effect that the mining boom has created in these sectors. With so many new migrants heading directly to new mining towns as they arrive in Australia and with the rise in the number of skilled people moving northwards from Perth, skills shortages are being experienced state wide.
Many WA companies are looking to the UK and Ireland for qualified workers because of the quality of education and training. While having qualifications are critical, all is not lost for those applicants that are skilled in their trade but yet hold no papers. As part of the visa process, we are assisting many people to obtain recognised Australian trade papers based on a detailed review of your references and by carrying out a practical assessment in your trade. We can then use these trade papers in the visa process. The fact that UK and Irish applicants speak English fluently and have a similar way of life to Australians is another factor that makes UK and Irish people very attractive to Australian employers. These factors help people settle in to a new life in Australia easily. Visafirst have noted that 70 percent of UK and Irish applicants currently applying for Australian visas are heading to Western Australia. The abundance of work in WA is the polar opposite to the 14 percent unemployment rate experienced in Ireland currently. We have Irish and UK people that are in Australia on working holiday visas contacting us looking for options on how to remain working in Australia”. With over 150,000 places to be filled within the next few years, Western Australia wants you by offering you a plethora of jobs, excellent housing, healthcare and educational facilities. To find out more information about working in Western Australia and to find out about your visa options, contact Declan Clune of Visafirst.com or visit www.visafirst.com.
ABOUT THE
author
n agent for Declan Clune is a registered migratio Visafirst.com Tel Ireland +353 56 7770227
Free phone 0808 2389911
E-mail dclune@visafirst.com
Web www.visafirst.com
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Expat PROFILE
Matt’s
Story By Chris Farnell
W
ith the job opportunities in Britain being what they have for the last few years, it’s not surprising that some students, having gained their shiny new degrees and readied themselves to enter the job market, decide that they’ll have better luck on the other side of the planet. This is what Matt decided to do when he graduated with a film degree in 2008. “My mum’s a New Zealander but I had grown up in London and been out here on holiday a few times to visit family,” Matt says. “Since I was young I thought that I’d like to try living here at some point and it seemed like the perfect time as my Dad had recently retired.”
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Having family already in New Zealand made the transition a lot easier than it might otherwise have been. Because Matt’s parents moved to New Zealand ahead of him, instead of arriving in a new country and having to start completely from scratch Matt was able to move into his parent’s spare room in their house in Wellington until he was able to find a job. His family also made the move easier in other ways. “Having a Kiwi parent I didn’t need to apply for a visa as I have a passport,” Matt explains. “When I arrived it was easy to transfer my British driver’s licence to a New Zealand one and apply for an IRD Number which allows you to register to work.”
Dive in! Matt’s advice for anyone starting out in New Zealand is to dive in as quickly as possible. “Say yes to everything when you arrive,” Matt says. “There’s a lot going on and getting involved is a great way to get a feel for the city. Also when you get here you’ll find a friend in TradeMe.co.nz which acts as ebay, a flat hunting site, and a job hunting site and is one of the most popular sites in the country.” It’s worked well for Matt. Since arriving in New Zealand Matt has worked in a call centre for the ACC, a job in advertising sales for Sky TV and six weeks ago he started working for Micro Scooters doing customer service and marketing. “It’s a small business with an office in the botanical gardens so I get to take the wellington cable car to work and get a good view!” Matt boasts.
Building a new social life
Of course, the move hasn’t been a complete cake walk. Moving to the other side of the globe means leaving behind friends and loved AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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Expat PROFILE ones and having to start over again from scratch. “The main thing I miss about living in London is of course my friends,” Matt says. “Having to set yourself up in a new city is hard when you don’t know anyone. I was lucky to meet a lot of good friends at my first job ACC.” Even with family in the country, Matt says building up a new social life was the hardest part of moving to New Zealand, but there are ways around it. “I’ve found that living in shared flats and getting a good social workplace are the best ways to meet people,” he says.
There’s a lot going on and getting involved is a great way to get a feel for the city Indeed, shared flats have worked well for Matt. “I broke the golden rule of not going out with your flatmates.” His girlfriend, Allie, is studying law at Victoria University and they’ve been going out for just over a year now. 26
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AHaving beautiful city got to know the people in Wellington, Matt has also fallen in love with the place. “Wellington is a beautiful city,” Matt says. “It has a lot of public events going on and Wellingtonians really get involved. This means there’s always a buzz about something around town. “The centre is fairly small, there are lots of buses out to the suburbs and it hugs the waterfront which is always a nice place to grab lunch on a nice day,” he enthuses. “There’s also a huge number
of cafes bars and restaurants so there’s variety if you want to go out. It’s pretty easy to escape the city as well - you can be out of town to the coast in a couple of hours.” Almost three years after he started out, Matt has settled in well to his new home. Asked what the biggest surprise about living in New Zealand is, Matt answers: “How easy it’s been and how fast it’s gone, the people are friendly and then once you arrive life just sweeps you along, two and a half years goes by quicker than you expect!”
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TRAVELLER'S GUIDE
Trekking in Thailand
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Trekking in Northern Thailand is gruelling but incredible. Visit hill tribe villages and an elephant sanctuary before you head south for some beach time. Carol Driver discovers Thailand by foot...
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long, green snake slithers through the shallow stream of water in front of my group. “It’s harmless,” yells Damrong. We hesitate, waiting for it to pass, and then carry on through the thick jungle – although our guide’s name doesn’t fill me with confidence. It’s 11am and 34˚C – we’ve been hiking for two hours in jungle north of Chiang Rai. Already, you could take the T-shirt off my back and wring it. We’re climbing 2000 feet over 10km on the first of a three-day trek, which, in black and white, doesn’t sound too gruelling. But add the searing temperature, humidity at 90 per cent and the fact I’m carrying a heavy backpack, and it’s a different ball game. There are 11 others doing it with me, so there’s good camaraderie, although some have opted to pay local guides to carry their
Essential information the 23-day Thailand Adventure GOING OUT: WHEN TO GO: When it’s mild – between Local beers can cost tour. Nov and Feb. June-Oct is the rainy season while it’s scorching March-May.
GETTING THERE: Eva Air, Qatar and Emirates all fly from the UK to Bangkok.
VISAS: Granted on arrival for tourists from Australia, New Zealand or the UK.
CURRENCY: Baht. 1 GBP = 50 THB.
GETTING AROUND: LANGUAGE: Carol travelled with Intrepid on Thai.
from around 50BHT, eat wisely and a decent meal will only set you back 100 THB.
ACCOMMODATION: Included in the Intrepid trip.
GET MORE INFO: intrepidtravel.com A AU US S TT R RA A LL II A AA AN ND DN N EE W W ZZ EE A A LL A AN ND D
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bags – even the girl who’s packed enough for two weeks, including a hairdryer. We left Bangkok a week ago, making our way to Chiang Mai via Kanchanaburi, to see the bridge over the River Kwai, and Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. It’s then an 11-hour journey on a bumpy night train, where I wake to find a cockroach inches from my face.
Trekking in Chiang Mai As a city, Chiang Mai is beautiful and the polar opposite of Bangkok – it’s calm and cool, and time seems to pass slower here. We visit a sanctuary to ride on domesticated elephants – a slightly terrifying experience as my beast wants to take the steepest routes up and down everything. Then we start our trek, covering a total of 26km in three days, across jungle and fields. After spotting two more snakes, I’m thankful when we sight the Baan Huay San Lisaw village, home to the Lisu tribe and our beds for the night. The 28,000 Lisu people are one of six tribes in Thailand. They make their homes out of bamboo and grass, and their 30
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main source of income is through producing rice, corn, livestock and opium – but the government has restricted this. Most of the village is basic, but the views are stunning – floors of dusty, red earth contrast against a bright blue sky. There are a few 4X4s spotted outside some of the nicer huts – perhaps bought with cash made from opening the village to tourists. That night, we’re treated to a feast fit for kings – spicy curries, succulent chicken, slippery noodles, and sticky rice. There’s enough to feed us twice over. We make an early start the next day – thanks to the natural alarm system of cockerels squawking at 3am. Days two and three of the trek are easier, but we’re now walking through coffee fields with no shade, so the scorching sun beats down relentlessly. Six hours, and a few sunburns, later we reach the Akha tribe village, where we’re treated to a traditional dance before, worn out, we make our way to our beds. It’s all downhill on our final day. There are cries of joy when we spot our
minibus waiting on a tiny road at the bottom of the last hill. We gratefully clamber inside, with the blast of air-con like an oxygen mask snapped over my face. We head for the disco carriage on our 13hour overnight train journey to Surat Thani from Bangkok. The bright lights mix well with cheesy versions of Eighties classics, as we buy beers and whisky from a man selling bottles from a bucket. After a few hours’ dancing in the narrow space, we sleep it off before our early arrival in and drive to Khao Sok National Park, which boasts some of the best remaining rainforest in Thailand.
InA 50-minute searchlongtail of theboatperfect beach ride across the Chiaw Lan Lake takes us to our floating rafthouses. Surrounded by water and small islands, it’s an idyllic setting; the view of the mountains reflecting on the lake is stunning. Here you can swim, kayak or explore nearby islands. But there isn’t a beach. In search of the perfect golden sands, we then head to Krabi, for a yacht tour. Our vessel cruises the nearby islands, such as Phi Phi and Bamboo, stopping at points in the Andaman Sea so that we can dive in and swim with the colourful fish. Phi Phi is supposed to have some of the best beaches in the world, but where we moor is crowded and dirty. Our next stop, Bamboo Island, is the perfect contrast. We find a secluded spot on a pristine stretch after wading through waisthigh water, lifting our bags above our heads. iPods on and books out, we soak up the rays before being kicked off a few hours later to take the yacht back to land.
I’m still in need of more than a few hours’ chill-out time, so we head for four days on the beautiful Koh Sukorn in the Andaman Sea. There are very few tourists on the remote island, which is scattered with charming fishing villages. We’re given a hair-raising tour of the island by motorcycle side-cage. We stop to watch the locals at work, buy snacks from a roadside shop and take photos of the stunning scenery from the viewpoint. Back at the resort, where we’re staying in beach bungalows, it’s time to relax. There’s a quiet stretch of beach, where you can laze in hammocks, as well as a cocktail bar nearby. With only one computer with very slow Internet connection and no newspapers on the island, we have no choice but to switch off before making the long journey on board an overnight train back to Bangkok – and back to reality.
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ECONOMY
The Australian Economy:
BOOM
OR BUST? By Chris Farnell
F
or the last four years any mention of the word “economy” was quickly followed by a sinking feeling and the knowledge that whatever you were about 32
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to hear would sound like a more maths-heavy version of the Book of Revelation. There’s talk of recovery, but that’s been going on almost as long as the crisis itself. But our current round of economic woes haven’t
affected everyone equally. Under the circumstances, some are saying that Australia is actually doing pretty well. We decided to dig a little deeper and find out if Australia is doing as well as it seems, and if so, why?
Boom!
The most recent financial disaster to hit the global economy has been the debt crisis in Greece, with rioting in the streets and the rest of Europe planning a bailout to prevent the trouble spreading through the rest of the continent, and the world. The world economy is closely tied together, so financial problems on one side of the planet are bound to have repercussions on the other. However, according to Dr Adrian BlundellWignall of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Australia actually has very little to fear from the Greek fallout. “Australia has been lucky that we have been vertically integrated with the emerging markets. The crisis in the US and Europe will not have a big enough effect to derail the emerging market boom,” Blundell-Wignall said during a recent visit to Sydney. “I don’t think what is going on in the OECD is going to have a big enough effect on China, Brazil, India and South Africa to derail their growth. As long as growth is there in the emerging markets then what is happening in Europe won’t affect Australia.” Blundell-Wignall says that although Australians “probably whinge and moan” about the way the country is run he believes the Reserve Bank of Australia “has really run good policy, they’ve kept rates high.” The Reserve Bank of Australia has been keeping interest rates frozen since November to protect the Australian economy from financial turmoil abroad.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard agrees, “We have those underlying strong underlying fundamentals today, because governments in the past have had the courage to step up with the big reforms that the nation needed.” Meanwhile, elsewhere in the economy, the Australian job market has remained healthy even now, with the number of employed rising by 23,400 in June, with an unemployment rate of only 4.9 percent that seems to be holding steady.
The crisis in the US and Europe will not have a big enough effect to derail the emerging market boom
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ECONOMY Or Bust?
However, while Australia may seem to be safe from the adverse impact of foreign economies, there are still potential problems on the horizon that the country will have to look out for. The strong Australian dollar has started to hurt the country’s export businesses. The Australian dollar reached an equal footing with the US dollar in November, and in May it peaked at 110.11 US centsthe highest it has ever been. As well as hurting Australia’s export businesses, it can also risk deterring newcomers to the country. Australia’s capital cities, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, are popular destinations for immigration and business trips, but according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living survey these cities are among the most expensive places to live in the world- due in part to the strong dollar. Two years ago Sydney was the 32nd most expensive place to live on the planet. This year it was the sixth. Sydney is closely followed by Melbourne, 34
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which has jumped to seventh place from 38th. This is a cause for concern, because while Australia has been mostly shielded from the disaster in Europe, its economy is not immune to outside influences. Dr Adrian Blundell-Wignall, as well as voices from Australia’s Treasury, have cited China has a possible risk to Australia’s well-being. Until now China has actually been something of a booster to Australia’s economy. It buys 22.6 percent of Australian exports. As China’s economic growth reaches 10 percent, Australia and China’s terms of trade have been higher than they have for 140 years, which is partly responsible for Australia’s impressively low unemployment rates. But this same inflation in China and other Asian markets could have a severe impact on Australia’s trade, with many worrying that a real estate bubble is developing in China. The Treasury has been joined by the International Monetary Fund in attempting to persuade China to instigate urgent reforms to stabilise the growth of its economy. China’s economy has been growing rapidly, which could easily have negative consequences for Australia. Overall, everyone seems to agree that things are looking good for Australia at the moment, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep an eye out for potential risks.
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tRAVELLER'S GUIDE
Darwin: An Evolving City
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By Chris Farnell
D
arwin started off as a small pioneer outpost and port. Found in 1839 by the crew of the HMS Beagle, the fledgling settlement was named by John Clements Wickham after his ship’s one-time passenger, Charles Darwin, the man we all know as the scientist who discovered evolution and had one of the most impressive beards of the 19th century. The name is appropriate, not because of the locals impressive facial hair (although I’m sure they could grow it if they tried) but because over the years the city as changed from a small, out of the way port town into one of Australia’s most modern and multicultural cities. Its position near the northern tip of the continent makes it a gateway to trade in Asia, making the city an essential trading hub.
Origin story Since the Beagle first arrived here the city has come a long way, and while you’re here there’s worse ways to spend your time than to find out a bit about this city’s rich and dramatic history. Explore the aftermath of the tragic Cycle Tracy that hit the city on the Christmas Eve of 1974. You can find out about it at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. You can see firsthand what it did at the Chinese Temple on Litchfield Street that was nearly obliterated by the disaster. While today Darwin’s position makes it a valuable gateway for trade to Asia, there was a time where its position made it a front line in the war. At the East Point Military Museum you can watch the spectacular footage from the 65 Japanese air raids that hit the city during World War II, or you can go to the Aviation AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
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tRAVELLER'S GUIDE Heritage Centre and take a look at some original B52 bomber planes.
AThere’s cityplentytomore explore to see in Darwin, and so you want to take your time getting around in case you miss something. During the day this is an ideal place to explore on foot, or if that sounds like too much effort, travel on one of the city’s jump on and off tour buses. Around the edge of the city you’ll also find a great cycle-path that takes you through the lush esplanade on the edge of the central business district, with a nice view of the harbour that the Beagle sailed into all those years ago. If on your travels you feel like stopping somewhere to eat, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Round here you’ll find plenty of proper, authentic local cuisine, so if you want to try crocodile, kangaroo, buffalo or mud crap, this is the place to do it. Whether you want a high end silver service restaurant, or a simple alfresco meal overlooking the harbour, Darwin will have something for you. We particularly recommend the platters of local seafood available out at Stokes Hill Wharf. 38
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If the seafood restaurants don’t appeal, the city has plenty of tackle shops and fishing cruises available if you want to exercise your brand of natural selection! With a healthy population of tropical fish, including the famous local barramundi, jewfish, golden snappers and threadfin salmon, Darwin’s turquoise waters are one of the world’s better fishing destinations. Alternatively, strap on a scuba diving kit and swim down to the floor of the harbour to explore the wrecks of ships from World War II, Cyclone Tracy and confiscated Indonesian fishing vessels. At weekends Darwin’s smaller traders come out to play, and this is a great chance to check out the city’s many open air markets. Out at the Parap shopping village, ten minutes from the central business district, you’ll find one of the favourite markets. Indeed, it’s such a favourite you may have trouble finding a table. Our tip, work out where you want to eat, then loiter there until a table becomes free!
with varying degrees of success. If you want to see survival of the fittest in action, this is the place to do it.
Nocturnal activity When the original Charles Darwin came to Australia, he found there was a huge difference between the wildlife that was out during the day, and the wildlife that was active at night. In modern Darwin the situation hasn’t changed much- come out at night and you’ll discover a different place entirely. You’ll find a wealth of good pubs and clubs deserving your patronage. The best place to start off is Mitchell Street, known as a party central to the locals. The Tap is a good place to start- a bright and inviting place with a nicely landscaped beer garden planted beneath the imposing silhouette of a melaleuca tree. At the other end of the scale you can find the Duck Nuts Bar and Grill (try and get that image out of your head!). The Duck Nuts is a massive entertainment complex with a vodka bar, restaurant, a space for live acts and a deeply disturbing name. While at times it has a great pub-like ambience, you’ll find the main appeal of this place is its great range of live entertainments. Of course, there’s more to Darwin’s night life than its pubs and clubs. Australia is full of places that are known for their spectacular sunshine, and with its tropical climate Darwin can definitely hold its own in that corner. However, the Top End of Australia has both a dry and wet season, and during the wet season the words “rain” and “pour” actually fall a bit short. The payoff for that heavy rainfall is that you’ll get the chance to witness some truly legendary lightning storms. Alternatively, when the storms hit maybe you can just stay in the pub? I think that’s called adapting to your environment.
Its position near the northern tip of the continent makes it a gateway to trade in Asia, making the city an essential trading hub You can also find great markets down by Nightcliff and at Mindil Beach. As well as great food, these markets are the perfect place to source locally made arts and crafts and take in some performances from the city’s host of musicians, street theatres and traditional bush poets. Perhaps the best show this city has to offer however, is the annual beer can regatta, where the locals take to the water in homemade seafaring vessels constructed almost entirely of beer cans-
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housing focus
Australia Buying property in
British interest in Antipodean property continues to soar. By Ian Armitage
A
ustralia tops the polls when it comes to which countries most Britons would choose to emigrate to. Us Brits yearn warmer climes and yearlong barbecues, as we struggle through the dark, cold days of winter. Now more of us are no longer satisďŹ ed with the fantasy, and are taking steps to turn it into a permanent reality.
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t To Buy can only buy WUnha fortunately, foreigners
Australia – so you are certain properties in limited in that respect. t have Australian Anyone who does no anent residency citizenship or a perm eign investor and visa is considered a for y property off-plan generally can only bu land on the condition or vacant residential residential dwelling that construction of a s. starts within 12 month t advisable until no is The latter option d stralia for a while an you have lived in Au , ropes. So, effectively have got to know the rst fi place in the if you want to buy a g at buying into a kin instance you’re loo ment. new apartment develop
How to Buy
Houses for sale in Australia can be sold at a list price or by auction. Whatever the selling method, open homes are common. The sellers will arrange times with the real-estate agent – usually at weekends – when anyone who is looking for property can turn up and have a look around. Spending a day visiting open homes is an excellent way of acquainting yourself with the property market in areas you are interested in. Once you have found a house you wish to purchase, it’s a good idea to first get a building and pest inspection report
and a valuation. Even if you feel you are knowledgeable about property in the UK, there may be flaws in Australian homes – such as termites – that you are not familiar with. Assuming the house valuation and inspection reports are satisfactory, you will then want to make an offer for the house or to bid for the house in an auction.
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housing focus tgage Demand Mor Demand for mortgages Down Under
has picked up of late, a tentative sign that consumers may be starting to loosen their purse strings in a stable interest-rate environment. Following a surprise jump in retail spending data, a new report shows more than 47,300 home loans were approved in April, a 4.8 percent increase compared to the previous month. The housing market has been under a cloud since last November ’s rise in lending rates, with home building approvals also sinking and house
prices easing. This summer’s spate of natural disasters has also taken its toll on consumers, with the latest national accounts showing households continue to prefer to save rather than spend. Housing finance data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed Queensland leading the way in the month of April, as the rebuild got under way after the floods. Mortgage approvals there jumped 6.2 percent, with solid increases also recorded in Victoria and Western Australia, but the ACT was the standout with an 8.8 percent increase
in the month. There were also signs that new homebuyers were growing in confidence about the interest rate outlook, shying away from the security of fixed-rate loans, which accounted for just 5.6 percent of approvals in April. This was down from 6.8 percent in the previous March.
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Visas To be eligible for a working visa for Australia you need to be on one of the state lists of prescribed occupations, mainly skilled tradesmen, healthcare workers, engineers and IT technicians, that are in demand, with points awarded to those that are most needed. There are also points for your youth and English language abilities.
Where To Buy
Sydney is the most cosmopolitan city Down Under; Perth is a traditional Brit stronghold; Brisbane and the Gold Coast are also hugely popular. Brisbane is relatively cheap for a state capital. The average property price is AUS$430,000. The state economy, however, has weakened considerably due to the completion of a number of big non-residential and engineering projects related to the mining sector and, more recently, flooding.
e Study Cas to move In August 1998, Adrian Wallace, now 38, decided and is Down Under. The IT professional chose Brisbane now an Aussie citizen. a 1.5 “At the end of 2000 I sold my old house in UK, a ht boug bedroom character cottage in Newbury, and leafy 4 bedroom house with a pool in The Gap on the “I says. n Adria ane,” Brisb of hilly north western edge
first moved here in 1998. Brisbane, it seemed to me, was small enough that I could escape the city easy, but big enough that I could find work. I’ve since formed a life here.”
AUSTRALIAANDNEWZEALAND
OUTLOOK
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The bright lights of Melbourne Chris Farnell visits Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state capital
Australia's weirdest festivals 10 bizarre Aussie festivals
PLUS Expat stories Migration news Expert advice
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Do you still call Australia home? Opportunities for experienced professionals include: s Project and Program Managers s Change Managers s Enterprise Architects/Solution Architects s Applications Developers (.Net, Java/J2EE, Sharepoint) s Data Warehouse / Business Intelligence Consultants. s L&D Consultants (Instructional Designers, Trainers, Multimedia Developers) s OBIEE Consultants s Siebel Consultants (BA’s, Technical Consultants, PM’s, UCM, On Demand) s Junior and Senior Business Analysts and Business Process Specialists s Data Modellers and Database Developers s Data Management / Data Quality Consultants s Agile Consultants s Customer Experience BA’s s Systems Integration Specialists (TIBCO, Websphere, Calypso)
Homesick? Missing sand between your toes? SMS Management & Technology (SMS) is Australia’s premier home-grown IT management consulting company employing over 1600 technology and business professionals across Australia, Hong Kong and Vietnam. SMS will pay your fare home (partners and children included) to join any one of its Australian offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney if you meet our requirements. SMS works across a wide range of industries, most notably financial services, government, telecommunications, health, defence, utilities, airlines and mining. Candidates from any of these industries are of particular interest, as are those with management and technical consulting experience. Would you like to join us in 2011? We’ll be conducting interviews in Manchester and London over two weeks commencing 19 March. Applications should be forwarded through the SMS website at www.smsmt.com with a detailed letter providing additional relevant information. Applicants will be advised soon after their application has been received if an interview is to be arranged. If you would like to meet us at the ‘Working In’ Australian Recruiting Expo in Manchester 19/20 March or London 26/27 March, contact us for a complimentary visitor’s pass.
SMS Management & Technology Head Office: Level 41, 140 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
ADELAIDE – BRISBANE – CANBERRA – MELBOURNE – SYDNEY – HONG KONG – VIETNAM
www.smsmt.com