Getting started in Australia
The information below will provide you with all the basics you will need to on settling in Australia. For any further information, do not hesitate to contact one of our specialist Globalink consultants.
Visas
Before Hays Globalink can assist you with your career in Australia or New Zealand, it is essential that you acquire a relevant visa or passport from the Australian High Commission in London.
For further information on obtaining a visa you can also see www.dimia.gov.au. Once you have obtained a relevant visa we can get the ball rolling in regards to seeking employment opportunities for you.
Tax Information
For professional advice on rates and tax brackets in Australia , please refer to www.ato.gov.au as this provides useful tax calculators and guidelines on tax income brackets. Upon arrival in Australia, one of the first things you should apply for is your Tax File Number (TFN). The Australian TFN is the equivalent to the UK NI and is relatively easy to obtain. There are several ways to obtain a TFN:
- Online processing - www.ato.gov.au
- Telephone - National Tax Office - 00 61 13 28 61 to liase with a consultant directly
Medical advice
The Australian government provides help with free emergency medical expenses through a scheme called Medicare. There are reciprocal agreements in place for applicants that are residents from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, Italy and Malta.
This entitles you to limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment while visiting Australia. To see the full range of services provided under the Medicare agreement, visit www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.
In order to register with Medicare, it is advisable to visit your local Medicare office approximately two weeks after your arrival in the country with your passport or travel documents in order to secure a medicare card.
If you are currently resident within a country that does not have a reciprocal agreement in place, we would encourage you to take out full medical insurance to cover any medicals costs that you may incur.
