Discovering Australia

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Discovering Australia A Resource Guide for Daily Living

www.dwellworks.com

The information contained in this publication is provided by Dwellworks, LLC and its affiliated entities (the “Company”) as a service to relocating employees and should be used for general informational purposes only. While the Company undertakes measures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in this publication, the Company cannot assure its accuracy or completeness and does not commit that it maintains updated information. This publication, in its entirety, is the sole copyrighted property of the Company and may not be modified, reproduced, sold, or otherwise distributed without the express written consent of the Company.

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Discovering Australia

Discovering Australia Welcome to Australia!

Whether you are a veteran or a novice, relocation can be both an exciting and challenging experience. This Dwellworks resource guide is intended to provide important information to consider as you relocate to Australia. Your assigned Destination Services Consultant will assist you as you transition into your new community. Additionally, your consultant will expand on the topics covered in this document according to the guidelines of your authorized program. On behalf of the Dwellworks team, we welcome you to Australia and hope you will find this information helpful.

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Contents Facts About Australia....................................................................................4 General Information.......................................................................................4 Geographic Overview.....................................................................................6 People and Culture ........................................................................................7 Registrations................................................................................................ 10 Money and Banking .................................................................................... 13 Safety and Security..................................................................................... 15 Communication and Media ....................................................................... 18 Driving........................................................................................................... 20 Health............................................................................................................ 23 Education...................................................................................................... 25 Pets ............................................................................................................... 27 Housing......................................................................................................... 29 Informative Websites.................................................................................. 37

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Facts About Australia + Official Country Name: Commonwealth of Australia + Capital City: Canberra + National Language: English

+ Official Religion: Australia has no state religion; Section 116 of the Constitution prohibits the government from establishing any religion or imposing any religious observance + Currency: Australian Dollar, AUD + Weights and Measurements: Metric System + Electricity/Voltage: 230V

General Information Public Holidays Most schools, banks, and government offices are closed on national public holidays.

Holiday

Date

New Year’s Day Australia Day Good Friday Easter Monday

January 1 January 26

Friday before Easter Sunday

Monday after Easter

Anzac Day

April 25

Christmas Day

December 25 December 26

Boxing Day

Government Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Elizabeth II is the Chief of State and is represented by the Governor-General at federal level and by a governor at state level. In practice, the Prime Minister who is appointed by the Governor-General is believed to wield the most authority in government. The Commonwealth Parliament consists of an upper house and a lower house, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Elections for both chambers are normally held every three years simultaneously. Moreover, all the states and the territories have their own parliament, chosen by the electorate living in Australia. The judiciary system remains separate from all the federal government branches to ensure a clear and unbiased interpretation of the law.

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Economy Australia is one of the wealthiest Asia–Pacific nations with a strong mixed market economy dominated by its service sector, including tourism, education, and financial services. Australia is also internationally competitive in insurance services, technologies, and high- value-added manufactured goods. Export plays an important role in Australia’s economy. Mining and agriculture are important export sectors. Business Hours Business hours typically begin between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. and lunch is taken around noon for 1 hour. The workday ends between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Weather Australia’s weather is influenced by the Indian Ocean currents and has different climate zones. The northern part of the country has a more tropical influenced climate, while the interior is arid and semi-arid. The southern parts are cooler with mild summers and cool, sometimes rainy winters. The South East ranges from oceanic to subtropical climate. Australia’s seasons are at opposite times to those in the northern hemisphere. December to February is summer; March to May is autumn; June to August is winter; and September to November is spring. National Hazards/Severe Weather Australia has a long history with natural disasters which can include bushfires, heatwaves, droughts. Severe storms and tropical cyclones may cause flooding and landslides and large earthquakes occur infrequently.

Time Zones Australia lies in 5 time zones:

• UTC+8:00: Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) • UTC+8:45: Australian Central Western Standard Time (ACWST) • UTC+9:30: Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) • UTC+10:00: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) • UTC+10:30: Lord Howe Standard Time (LHST)

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Daylight Savings Time The states that use Daylight Saving Time (DST) are the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. These states participate in Daylight Savings Time (DST) two times a year. DST starts at 2 am on first Sunday of October, when the clocks move forward by 1 hour to 3 am local time. On the first Sunday of April, DST ends at 3 am when the clocks move back to 2 am. Telling Time Australians use both the standard 12-hour cycle, and the 24-hour cycle, referred to as military time. Geographic Overview Regions Australia is the world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country. Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The states retain a measure of sovereignty to pass their own laws, while the self- governing territory laws can be modified or repealed by the Commonwealth Parliament. Major Cities Australia’s cities are consistently ranked in the top 30 cities for quality of life worldwide. The three largest cities in Australia are Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. + Sydney: As Australia’s most populous city, it holds a population of 5,230 million people. Sydney is home to Australia´s oldest university, an exciting nightlife, and is an important center for the arts. As the country’s financial and economic center, Sydney attracts many foreign banks and investors and has a large finance, insurance, and business services sector. + Melbourne: Australia's second city and a great rival of Sydney, is the capital of Victoria. Known as the host city for a range of major international sporting events, Melbourne is filled with history from Victorian-era architecture to historic museums. Melbourne has the largest public tram system in the world + Brisbane: The capital of the state of Queensland with a population of about 2 million people, Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia. + Other major cities: Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns It has 6 states: New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (Qld), South Australia (SA), Victoria (Vic), Tasmania (Tas), and Western Australia (WA), and 2 territories: the Northern Territory (NT) and the

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People and Culture Australia’s residents are some of the most ethnically diverse in the world, around a quarter of them are originally from outside of Australia. Most of Australians can trace their ancestry back to the British Isles. The culture of Australia is influenced by both the Western culture and the diverse input of aboriginal and other Oceanian people. Demographics Australia is the largest country in the Southern Hemisphere with a population of about 25 million, of which approximately 7 million are foreigners. Around 85% of the population live within 50 km of the coast. Nearly 90% of people live in urban areas making Australia one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Population is primarily located on the periphery, with the highest concentration of people residing in the east and southeast. Language Australia has no official language; English is the national de facto language. English is spoken by 72% of Australia’s residents, with a variety of other languages making up the difference such as Mandarin, Arabic and Italian. Religion Australia society is secular, and citizens are entitled to observe any faith as long as its practices do not break the law. Although the Australian Constitution prohibits the federal government from establishing any religion, more than half of the population identifies with one of the many denominations of Christianity. Etiquette Greetings and Introductions Aussies are generally not formal in their everyday interactions, so greetings are casual and relaxed. This is not intended to show lack of respect, but rather a manifestation of the Australian belief that everyone is equal. It is polite to shake someone’s right hand when you meet him or her for the first time. If you are a newcomer, take the initiative to introduce yourself. Addressing People It is common practice for Aussies to use first names even at the initial meeting or in formal situations. You may introduce yourself by your full name but expect them to address you by your first name. Some people tend to be more formal in professional situations. Australian Modesty Australians are very down to earth and always mindful to avoid self-importance. They often downplay their own success and do not draw attention to their achievements. Australians often use blunt humor to diffuse tension. It is generally considered that everyone should be treated in the same way, regardless of their race, religion, gender or financial status.

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Business Etiquette Business meetings are kept brief and while they might seem casual, serios work is being accomplished and important details are covered. A direct approach is appreciated, information should be factual and to the point and supported by figures. They are direct and expect the same in return. Personal business is kept separate and small talk is not entertained, getting the work done as quickly as possible is what is important. Australians don’t need to have a long-standing relationship with you before doing business, however the first meetings will likely serve the primary purpose of determining familiarity and trustworthiness. They will be more interested in your experience, credentials and the longevity of your company. Negotiations and decision making Office hierarchy is notably flat and managers should treat all employees with equal respect and consult them when making any big company decisions so they can feel involved in the decision-making process. Anyone is generally welcome to give their opinion, regardless of their position, job role or seniority. Direct orders are not appreciated; therefore, directions are generally hinted at and instructions are polite requests. This collaborative business culture leads to a slower decision-making process than what you are used to and patience is appreciated. Australians aim for a win-win negotiation style. They do not like high-pressure tactics and using a position of power as a leverage is strongly frowned upon. Negotiations tend to move quickly, and they expect the initial proposal to have only a small margin for negotiation. Bargaining is not customary and will likely make them feel uncomfortable. Dress Code Appearance and self-presentation are very important, so be sure to dress neatly and conservatively for the event. Dark suits with simple accessories are appropriate for both men and women. Punctuality Punctuality and timeliness are very important in business settings, always be on time. Time and a person’s schedule are taken very seriously. In social settings, arriving five to ten minutes late is acceptable, but any longer and you should call to give notice.

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Food Australian cuisine has been shaped by various cultures around the world including Indigenous Australians known for their bush tucker diet, European – particularly British, Asian and Pacific Islanders. Typical Dishes

The Aussie barbie (barbecue) is the Australian dish par excellence. Other dishes include Aussie meat pies, chicken parmigiana, barramundi, Pavlova, vegemite, lamington, potato cakes, damper. Kangaroo, emu and crocodile meat are common delicacies in Australia, while chicken is by far the most consumed meat. Pork, mutton and lamb are widely popular while the taste for beef has been declining. While Australia is known for excellent wines, the drink of choice is still beer, varying in flavor.

Dining Customs Australians love to eat outdoors as most homes have a BBQ. Traditionally, the largest meal of the day is eaten at dinner, with breakfast and lunch as smaller affairs. Breakfast is typically eaten in the morning by 8 a.m., lunch is eaten at midday, and dinner is eaten around 6 p.m. Tipping Tipping is not customary. Nevertheless, giving a tip is appreciated. If you feel that the service was exceptional it's good etiquette to leave a small tip. Alcohol and Smoking You have to be over the age of 18 to be allowed to purchase alcohol. There is no legal age for smoking, however tobacco products cannot be sold to persons under 18 years old. Smoking is not allowed in vehicles with children, government buildings, public transport, airports, and international and domestic flights. In most enclosed restaurants smoking is prohibited. Please watch out for special smoking signs. Grocery Most shopping for food is done at grocery stores. There are numerous chains around the country as well as small specialty or ethnic grocers.

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Registrations Visas

All non-Australian citizens need to obtain a valid visa or authority to enter Australia. Those individuals seeking to work in Australia are required to apply for and be granted a valid Australian visa with work rights.

All applicants should meet basic requirements in order to be granted a work visa:

+ English language proficiency + Relevant skills/qualification/work experience

+ Certain health requirement - these will be specified in your visa application form + Character requirements – a police clearance certificate might be required + Australian Values Statement - need to be signed as part of the visa application in certain categories. If you already have a job offer in Australia, you will apply for an Employer Sponsored Migration visa and your prospective employer will apply for this visa on your behalf. The Temporary Work (skilled) visa is the most common temporary visa and it is tied to the employer and to your general occupation. Employers may use it to sponsor an overseas skilled worker for a maximum period of four years. The Employer Nominated Scheme Visa is a type of permanent visa which allows employers to sponsor qualified expats to fill vacancies within their company that cannot be filled by Australian applicants. Tax File Number/TFN To receive an income in Australia, you need a Tax File Number (TFN). A TFN is a unique number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to individuals and companies.

You can apply for a TFN by going to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website, by phoning the ATO or by visiting the nearest ATO Service Center.

You will need the following documents to initiate the process: + Passport + Visa letter to fill out the online TFN application form.

TFN letter will be sent by post to your mailing address in about a month’s time. It usually takes about 10-28 days to be issued.

Australian Taxation Office

Contact details

Telephone

132 861

Visit an office www.ato.gov.au/visitus Information in languages other than English www.ato.gov.au/General/Other-languages ATO Website www.ato.gov.au

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Driver's License Most states and territories allow persons who enter Australia on a permanent visa or who are permanent residents to drive on their current overseas license for a maximum of three months after arrival, provided that the license is in English or has an official translation. If a driver’s license does not have a photo, drivers are required to carry another form of formal photo identification with them. After this initial period, the holders of non-Australian driver’s licenses will have to obtain an Australian license in the state or territory of residence. Depending on the country of origin of your driver’s license, a simple transfer might be sufficient. In most cases, you will have to take the practical and theoretical driving lessons and tests.

You should always check with the authority in your state or territory if the overseas license can be converted:

Licensing and motor vehicle registration agency

State or Territory

Telephone

Website

ACT NSW

Road Transport Authority 02 6207 7000

www.rego.act.gov.au www.rms.nsw.gov.au https://nt.gov.au/driving http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ www.transport.sa.gov.au www.transport.tas.gov.au www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Roads and Maritime Services

13 2213

Department of Transport 1300 654 628

QLD

Department of Transport and Main Roads

13 2380 13 1084

Transport

TAS VIC

Transport Tasmania

1300 851 225

VicRoads

13 1171

Department of Transport 13 1156

www.transport.wa.gov.au/index.asp

Recognized countries and jurisdictions Applicants from the countries listed below are exempt from undertaking a knowledge and drive test when applying for an Australian driver’s license as their licensing standards are comparable to Australia. This makes it simpler to exchange a driver's license.

Austria Belgium

Denmark Finland

Guernsey

Jersey Malta*

Portugal Singapore

Ireland

USA

Bosnia and Herzegovina France

Isle of Man** Netherlands

Spain

Canada Croatia

Germany

Italy

New Zealand

Sweden

Greece

Japan

Norway

Switzerland

*Malta (for licenses first issued on or after 2 January 2004) **Isle of Man (for licenses first issued on or after 1 April 1991)

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Experienced Driver Recognition Applicants from below countries that do not meet all the license testing requirements will be considered for Experienced Driver Recognition status. The person’s driving experience and age is recognized as a substitute for licensing measures aimed at novice drivers.

Bulgaria

Hong Kong

Poland

Romania Slovakia Slovenia

Taiwan

Czech Republic Hungary

Republic of Cyprus Republic of Korea Republic of Serbia

Estonia

Latvia

Hong Kong

Lithuania

South Africa

Holders of a driver's license from one of these countries that are 25 years old may be able to exchange their overseas license without driver testing. The ones under 25 years of age will be required to undertake theory and practical driving tests. Other countries Applicants from a non-recognized country are required to undertake and pass a theory test and a practical driving test. Their overseas license will be converted, based on years of driving experience and age, to the class of license they would have been on had they commenced driving in that Australian jurisdiction. Australian law requires you to hold a valid driver's license for the vehicle that you are operating. Driving without a valid driver's license or allowing another person known to be unlicensed to drive your vehicle can result in steep fines and jail terms of up to two years.

Helpful Hint: If you move interstate or from overseas, you have three months to have your license changed over. Penalties apply if you don't.

We will check in each individual case which procedure will apply to your license. This information is based on our previous experience in this regard. However, we must point out that we cannot accept any liability for it.

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Money and Banking Banks Opening a current account with an Australian bank is easy and best done within 30 days of arrival, or even before immigration.

Banking in Australia is dominated by 4 major banks: + Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) + Westpac Banking Corporation (Westpac) + Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) + National Australia Bank (NAB)

Bank Accounts The above-mentioned banks allow you to set up your bank account up to 12 months before coming to Australia or once you’ve arrived. All banks have very similar processes to open an account, but there are slight differences. In general, your passport, confirmation of your arrival in Australia within the last six weeks, plus your valid visa and another form of ID should suffice by way of documentation. If your employer does not already have a preferred banker, your consultant will be happy to set up a meeting with banking personnel to establish your accounts and provide an orientation to the banking system. Helpful Hint: People who wait longer than one month before opening an account will encounter stricter requirements. You will be asked to provide, among other things, proof of address and your tax file number. Exchange Exchanges are offered at airports and banks. When travelling with a credit or debit card, you can use an automated teller machine to withdraw funds, although check with your bank for any additional fees and limitations. Exchange rates can be found at the following link: www1.oanda.com/currency/converter

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Payment Methods Payments can be made by cash, credit cards, mobile/online payment systems. Australia has an Internet penetration rate that’s nearing 100%, and 70% of its population owns smartphones. Cash Cash dispensing Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available in almost every Australian city. Check with your bank as to what additional fees they apply to withdrawals in Australia, as Australian ATMs are deregulated and may impose a surcharge over what is charged by your bank or card issuer. Credit Cards Credit cards are one of the most common and popular ways for consumers to make payments. You can pay with plastic almost everything — even for your taxi. Mastercard and Visa are commonly used, you’ll also find spots accepting American Express. BPay BPAY is an electronic bill payment system which enables payments to be made through a financial institution's online, mobile or telephone banking facility to organizations which are registered BPAY billers. Taxes and Superannuation While living in Australia, if you are on a local employment contract, you are required to pay taxes imposed at federal/state/territory level. If you are on assignment, your company will inform you of what is needed. If you need more information and/or support on this, your Dwellworks Consultant can refer you to professionals in the area. Australian employers will make compulsory payments out of your earnings to an Australian superannuation (retirement savings) fund on your behalf. Temporary visitors who are not citizens of either Australia or New Zealand can have this money returned to them when they leave Australia. When you claim your super, you will be taxed a percentage based on type of visa you had. The Australian financial year runs from July 1 to June 30, and tax returns for each financial year are due on October 30.

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Safety and Security Although some of the information and safety measures listed below may seem like common sense, it is worth reinforcing to keep in mind. At Home + Avoid sharing personal information by telephone to people you do not know + Never tell strangers about household routines + If a representative of a public utility company (i.e. gas, electricity, telephone) comes to make repairs at your home, ask them to present identification + Keep a list of the emergency telephone numbers at hand (nearest police and fire stations, nearest emergency hospital, etc.) On the Streets + Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid traveling to unsafe areas alone or at night + Also pay attention to personal belongings in large crowds to avoid pickpocketing by both adults and children + Common sense rules while traveling the streets of Australia; taking large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry, and other precious items should be avoided if possible + Avoid traveling with an item that you cannot afford to lose + Always remember to keep personal items such as purses or cameras close to you in public spaces and do not leave personal items unattended at any time + Do not keep your documents, credit cards, checkbooks, and money together in the same pocket or wallet; also take photocopies of all your documents to keep at home In the Car + Inside automobiles, keep your packages and personal belongings out of the sight of other people, leaving them in the boot to reduce visibility + We suggest having a mobile phone with you – not only for safety but also for a mechanical emergency. Using mobile phones while driving is not allowed and will result in a fine

+ At night, try to park your car near a streetlight and avoid empty streets + Tell your children never to accept rides from people they do not know

Emergency Numbers + Ambulance/Fire/Police: Tel 000 or 112

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Personal Data Security In today’s digital world, personal and business data is at risk of being compromised. Hackers and scammers are getting creative as to the ways they manipulate or coerce individuals. As Relocation Service Providers, Dwellworks and its clients place great emphasis on ensuring comprehensive precautions to prevent data breaches. A recent trend involves hackers setting up fraudulent email accounts mirroring the accounts of relocation or real estate providers inclusive of fraudulent wiring instructions to collect real estate deposits, first month’s rent and/or closing funds. Please be aware that you will never be asked to transfer funds or make payments electronically (via email or otherwise) to Dwellworks. Dwellworks disclaims liability with regard to any third-party fraud that may arise in conjunction with any relocation transaction involving the transfer of funds or making of payments. To aid in the protection of your information, we offer the following email and computer security tips: + Email that appears to have come from someone you know but really isn’t – Email addressed can be manipulated to look like it is from someone you know. If the email doesn’t sound or look exactly right, check the full email address – especially the part after the “@” sign. When in doubt, send a separate email to the sender (or call) and verify that the email is legitimate + Never click on an email link that is from someone you do not know + Never download or open attachments from someone you do not know + Be especially wary of attachments that are .ZIP files claiming to be invoices or tracking information + Do not reply to or forward spam emails + Avoid using public WI-FI + Microsoft will never contact you directly regarding the health of your computer. Please do not allow anyone claiming to be Microsoft to remotely access your computer or give them your financial information + If you are reading your email in a web browser, be sure to click Log Off before closing the window + Make sure your computer Anti-Virus is installed and kept up-to-date

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Embassy Contacts USA Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6214 5600 canberra.usembassy.gov/ CanberraUSAEmbassy@state.g ov Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6270 6666 www.gov.uk/world/australia Australia.enquiries@fco.gov.uk Romania 4 Dalman Crescent, O'Malley, ACT 2606 United Kingdom Commonwealth Avenue,

Finland 12 Darwin Avenue, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6273 3800 www.finland.org.au sanomat.can@formin.fi France 6 Perth Avenue, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6216 0100 info@ambafrance- au.orgwww.ambafrance-au.org Greece 9 Turrana Street , Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6271 0100

The Netherlands 120 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6220 9400

www.mfa.nl/can can@minbuza.nl

People’s Republic of China 15 Coronation Drive, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6228 3993

chinaemb_au@mfa.gov.cn au.china-embassy.org/eng/

Portugal Suite 8 and 9, Stephen House, 32 Thesiger Court , DEAKIN, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6260 4970 camberra@mne.pt www.camberra.embaixadaportuga l.mne.pt/en/ Russia 78 Canberra Avenue, Griffith, ACT 2603

Tel. +61 02 6286 2343 www.canberra.mae.ro canberra@mae.ro

gremb.can@mfa.gr www.mfa.gr/australia

Canada Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6270 4000 cnbra@international.gc.ca www.australia.gc.ca

Germany 119 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla, ACT 2600

Tel. +61 02 6270 1911 info@canberra.diplo.de www.australia.diplo.de

Tel. +61 02 6295 9033 www.australia.mid.ru australia@mid.ru

Spain 15 Arkana Street, Yarralumla, ACT 2600

Belgium 19 Arkana Street, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6273 2501 canberra@diplobel.fed.be www.diplomatie.belgium.be/aust ralia Singapore 17 Forster Crescent, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6271 2000 www.mfa.gov.sg/canberra SINGHC_CBR@mfa.sg Denmark 15 Hunter Street, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6270 5333

Ireland 20 Arkana Street, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Tel. + 61 02 6214 0000 canberraembassy@dfa.ie www.dfa.ie/irish- embassy/australia/ Italy 12 Grey Street, Deakin, ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6273 3333 ambasciata.canberra@esteri.it www.ambcanberra.esteri.it Japan 112 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla, ACT 2600

Tel. +61 02 6273 3555 emb.canberra@maec.es

www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajada s/CANBERRA/en/Pages/inicio.asp x Sweden 5 Turrana Street, Yarralumla , ACT 2600 Tel. +61 02 6270 2700 www.swedenabroad.com/canberr a ambassaden.canberra@gov.se Switzerland 7 Melbourne Avenue, Forrest, ACT 2603 Tel. +61 02 6162 8400 www.eda.admin.ch/australia Canberra@eda.admin.ch

Tel. +61 02 6273 3244 www.au.emb-japan.go.jp consular@cb.mofa.go.jp

cbramb@um.dk cbramb@um.dk

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Communication and Media Australia has a wide range of options. There is a considerable range of telephone, internet, and mobile options depending on your individual needs.

Telephone and Internet Land Lines The international telephone country code for Australia is +61.

Australian Area Code List:

+ 01 = Special numbers (satellite phones, dial-up Internet) + 02 = Central East (New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and north- eastern fringe of Victoria) + 03 = South East (Southern NSW, Victoria and Tasmania) + 04 = Mobile phones Australia-wide (higher call charges apply). + 07 = North East (Queensland) + 08 = Central & West (Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and far Western New South Wales) Directory assistance is available on 1223 and international directory assistance is available on 1225. Public Telephones Most of the public telephones require the use of a telephone card, but a few still accept coins. The best place to find a public phone in Australia is outside a post office, at a bar or a service station. The country’s payphones are color-coded – red ones are strictly for local calls while green, gold and blue ones can also be used for international calls. National Broadcast Network The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a country-wide project funded by the Federal Government designed to replaced old infrastructure with a fast, reliable broadband network. NBN is installed at your home free of charge. However, you will have to pay for an NBN plan to cover your monthly usage. Mobile There are three major network operators offering different packages and services. The selection should be made carefully focusing on the needs of the user.

+ Optus – www.optus.com.au + Telstra – www.telstra.com.au + Vodafone – www.vodafone.com.au

There are also smaller networks that are hosted by one or other of these three networks: Lycamobile, Virgin, Amaysim, Lebara, Boost and these can be slightly cheaper than the main ones.

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Television Cable is provided through a variety of regional cable companies. Foxtel is the most common way to receive Australian television channels and it is a nationally available provider. Depending on your location and service provider, there may be packages available that include other services like internet and additional language channels. Smaller competitors offer a subset of channels that are not unavailable on Foxtel, especially non-English language channels. UBI World TV offers a number of ethnic satellite TV and radio channels nationwide. Due to the increasing popularity of online-based television, you will also find that streaming television via internet is feasible option – Netflix, Presto, Stan, Quickflix. Newspapers There are many popular newspapers in Australia. They also have smartphone apps available for reading on the go. The Australian newspapers include: + The Australian – www.theaustralian.com.au + The Australian Financial Review - www.afr.com + The Sydney Morning Herald - www.smh.com.au + The Canberra Times - www.canberratimes.com.au + The Daily Telegraph - www.dailytelegraph.com.au Postal Service Australia Post is the national postal service provider. Other alternatives include Sendle, WizMe, E-go, ParcelConnect, Officework Mailman.

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Driving Rules and Regulations Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road and use the metric system of distances and speeds. Most vehicles have the steering wheel on their right side. Traffic rules in Australia may vary from state to state. Before driving, familiarize yourself with the road traffic regulations of each state. Below there is a brief summary of some common Australian traffic rules to remember. + You are not permitted to use a handheld mobile phone when driving + it is illegal to drive without carrying your license on you + Pedestrians have the right of way + it is illegal to make a left turn on a red traffic signal unless there is a sign explicitly permitting it + In most states it is illegal to do a U-turn at a traffic signal, unless there is a sign explicitly permitting + Traffic goes clockwise around a roundabout + Unnecessarily beeping your horn is illegal — don’t beep your horn unless you're in a situation where you need to warn another driver + Remember to stay on the left side after you have turned left or right + If you're driving slowly on two-lane (or more) roads, the lane for you is the leftmost lane. The right lane should only be used for passing + In the event of an accident involving injury or death, the police must be contacted; the Australian emergency number is 000 There are two “default” speed limits in Australia: + Residential and city speed limits are typically between 50 and 60 kilometers per hour (31 to 35 miles per hour) + Country roads and highways have speed limits between 100 and 110 km/hour (62 to 68 mph) Speeding can result in heavy fines, penalty points, and even the consequential loss of your Australian license. Some roads do not have visible speed limit signs, but speed limits still apply. Australian laws allow police officers to stop any driver and perform a random breath test without reason. Drunk driving will attract heavy penalties and the drivers will lose their license on the spot. Seat Belts All vehicles in Australia are required to have functioning seat belts for all passengers in the car, including those in the back seat. All drivers and passengers in the car must also wear seatbelts. The driver should ensure that all passengers are buckled, otherwise penalties apply to the driver of the vehicle, and include demerit points which may lead to a license suspension. Children under age 7 must be in a child restraint appropriate for the child’s size and weight. Passengers 16 and over not wearing a seat belt will be fined along with the driver if caught.

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Vehicle Registration “Rego” All motor vehicles and motorcycles must be registered in a state or territory. Regulations on how to obtain the Rego vary from state to state and you should check the local specifications. Some states require a mandatory technical check up when selling/purchasing or renewing the Rego. Compulsory Third-Party Insurance (CTP) insurance is compulsory in all states of Australia and it is referred to as a green slip. CTP is included with the Rego in all states, except for New South Wales where a separate insurance needs to be bought. CTP provides compensation for people injured or killed when your vehicle is involved in an accident, but it does not cover material damage so you should buy additional insurance. Helpful Hint: For further information on vehicle registration, the relevant state or territory should be contacted. + Victoria www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration + New South Wales www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/index.html + Queensland www.qld.gov.au/transport/registration/register/vehicle + South Australia www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/registration/vehicle- registration + Tasmania www.transport.tas.gov.au/online/vehicles www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/license-my-vehicle-registration.asp + Northern Territory nt.gov.au/driving/rego/check,-renew-or-transfer-your- registration/renew-your-vehicle-registration + Australian Capital Territory www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/694/~/motor-vehicle- registration-and-renewal

Car Insurance Except for the CTP, which is required by each state and territory, you are advised to consider 3 other types of general insurance:

Comprehensive

Third Party Property

Third Party Fire and Theft

Covers damage to your own vehicle and other people’s property, as well as theft and some other risks, plus legal costs

Covers damage to other people’s property and legal costs, but not damage to your own vehicle

Third Party Property with some add-on features that cover your vehicle

Insurance premiums vary, depending on the type, size, weight of car, and the region. Most main insurance companies offer coverage.

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Discovering Australia

Roadworthiness Test All motor vehicles must undergo a roadworthiness test at regular intervals set on a state/territory basis. Roadworthy certificates show that the vehicle has been inspected and it is safe to be on the road. To obtain a certificate of roadworthiness, you need to have your vehicle inspected by a licensed vehicle tester that operates from a known and nominated workspace such as a service station or automotive garage. Roads Due to its vast area, Australia relies heavily on road transportation. Road quality is of a moderate to high level in urban areas; however, in regional areas the roads are less well- maintained. Throughout the country, road conditions can vary from a sealed road surface to gravel and unsealed roads. Driving in the Outback requires special driving skills and awareness of different road conditions. + Make sure your vehicle is professionally serviced + Fuel up and bring extra fuel + Always carry spare parts – wheels, tires, tools + Keep the car weight as low and centrally located as possible + Bring plenty of drinking water as temperatures can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in the daytime Fuel Most cars run on Unleaded Petrol (ULP). Gas stations are self-serve. In most petrol stations, you pump gas first, then pay in the store. Outside of major urban areas, gas stations are sporadic and far apart. Motoring Groups Most Australian car holders are members of a motoring group. Each state and territory has its own roadside assistance group you can contact in the event of an automobile breakdown. An annual membership in one of these associations is needed to qualify for roadside assistance. + New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory: NRMA + Victoria: RACV + In case of a break-down remain in your vehicle + Be aware of animals such as kangaroos, especially at night + Purchase or rent a satellite phone or a PLB (distress radio beacon) + Try to arrive at your destination well before nightfall

+ Queensland: RACQ + South Australia: RAA + Western Australia: RAC + Tasmania: RACT + Northern Territory: AANT

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Discovering Australia

Health Medical/Dental Systems Overview

The Australia health system is highly advanced. Health insurance is obligatory for everyone residing in Australia. There are two types of health insurance in Australia: public and private. Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system and provides free or subsidized health care services to Australians and anyone living in Australia on a permanent visa. For information on Medicare Services, go to www.humanservices.gov.au/medicare or visit your local Medicare Service Centre. Some temporary migrants may also be eligible for Medicare services and those who qualify can register for a Medicare card. Helpful Hint: Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and Slovenia. Students from Norway, Finland, Malta and the Republic of Ireland aren’t covered by RHC agreements. Nationals of these countries can receive Medicare assistance for essential medical treatments while they are visiting Australia. However, this does not replace the benefits of private travel insurance, nor is it meant for long-term residents from these states. To apply for a Medicare card, you will need to visit a Medicare office nearest to you along with your passport and visa copy. You may also need to provide identification showing you are enrolled in your country’s national health scheme. Bank details need to be provided in Medicare application which is why it is important to open a bank account first. Medicare covers the cost of most essential treatments; however Australians are actively encouraged by their Government to have private health insurance to supplement Medicare. Almost half of all Australians have hospital cover, and more than half of all Australians have general treatment cover. Most of the temporary migrants need to take out private health insurance, the human resource departments will sometimes have recommendations for specific health insurances. Helpful Hint: You can find more information on the private health insurance providers on Australian government’s private healthcare site: www.privatehealth.gov.au Finding a Family Doctor Although registration with a family doctor is not needed, many people in Australia have their own family doctor – a general practitioner (GP) who they see for general health matters, including immunizations, prescriptions, medical certificates, health checks and health advice. You may visit www.healthdirect.gov.au that features a General Practice search to find your closest General Practice services.

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Discovering Australia

Vaccinations Australia is a very low risk country and there are no mandatory shots required to enter the country. There are some vaccines that are recommended: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. These are only general recommendations and are not specific for your individual case. Please consult your general practitioner for vaccinations recommendations. Emergency If you have a medical emergency and need immediate care, you can drive to the emergency or dial 000 for immediate medical attention. An ambulance will then take you to the hospital. Only dial 000 in a serious medical emergency. The emergency room is not intended for situations where a call to your doctor would be sufficient. Situations that demand medical attention but may not necessarily be emergencies include animal bites and small puncture wounds or lacerations. If your doctor tells you that you will need to go to a hospital for any non-emergency reason, he/she will discuss with you which hospital to choose. If you have health issues you should always try to contact your family doctor first. In case they are unavailable, the telephone services listed below have qualified nurses who can give you immediate professional advice.

Telephone Health Advice Service

State or Territory

Telephone

Website

ACT, NSW, NT, Tas, SA, WA

Healthdirect 1800 022 222 www.healthdirect.gov.au

Qld

13 HEALTH 13 43 25 84

www.health.qld.gov.au/13health/default.asp

NURSE- ON-CALL

Vic

1300 606 024 www.health.vic.gov.au/nurseoncall

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Discovering Australia

Education The Australian school system is deemed to be very good by worldwide standards. Children undergo thirteen years of formal education (plus non-compulsory preschool or kindergarten). Attending school in Australia is compulsory between the ages of five or six and sixteen or seventeen, depending on the State or territory and date of birth. Childcare Working parents with children under the age of five can choose between several kinds of day care in Australia: + Community daycare centers can be found via the website of your local council. They are probably the cheapest option available and are eligible for childcare subsidy + Private daycare facilities. The Australian Childcare alliance can refer you to online registers of licensed services childcarealliance.org.au + Family day care. Individual sitters that are looking after a handful of kids in their own home. + In-home care, like an au-pair or a professional nanny that to stay with your kids and take care of them. Kindergarten Although it is not compulsory, most children in Australia go to a kindergarten. The age at which kids should be when they start kindergarten varies by state or territory, but most schools suggest the child to be 5 years old to register. Finding vacancies in a kindergarten can be difficult, therefore flexibility may be required when choosing a kindergarten. Schooling Public Schools All children who have reached the age of six are required to attend school and are guaranteed places at their local public school in the so-called “neighborhood zone”. Many schools require parents to provide proof of residence before enrolling students. Parents can apply to enroll their child in a public school which is not their local public school, however they are not guaranteed a place at that school. Most Australians and permanent residents send their children to public schools which are government-funded and charge no tuition fees. Those living in Australia on a temporary residency visa will most likely need to pay the fixed tuition fee associated with their state or territory. Private Schools There is also a variety of private schools in Australia, either independent or with religious affiliation. Most private schools are Catholic schools that tend to teach from a religious standpoint. Non-Catholic private schools, known as independent schools, include schools that subscribe to other religions (such as Judaism or Islam) or educational ideologies (such as Montessori or Waldorf).

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Discovering Australia

Helpful Hint: You may find a list with most of the private schools in the Private School Directory: www.privateschoolsdirectory.com.au

International schools Due to the high quality of education in Australia, many expat families send their children to public schools. Thus, there aren't as many international schools in Australia as there are in other expat destinations. There is still a selection of International Baccalaureate (IB) schools or schools offering curricula of other countries. These schools can accommodate the needs of expat children better than many other schools, but their annual fees can be rather high. Most popular schools have long waiting list and may require students to pass an exam.

Helpful Hint: You can search for an international school in Australia via www.internationalschoolsearch.com/international-schools-in-australia

Common Questions for Public and Private Schools As you give careful consideration to your children’s school selection and best fit, you may wish to consider asking some of these questions for the school official during your visit. + Is there space for my child in his or her grade? If so, what is the average class size? + What is the admissions process and criteria? + How many students are enrolled in your school? + What academic program do you offer? + Do students have a choice regarding program selections? + What provisions are offered for children with special needs and/or language support? + Do you offer foreign language instruction? + What intervention program is available when a skill is not mastered? + Is your school accredited? What organization(s) has/have granted accreditation? + Which universities do the graduates attend? + Do you have counselors that support the college search/enrollment process? + Is transportation provided to and from school? + What organizations and clubs are available before/after school for students? + Are there school organizations for parents? + Do you have a book that describes the student code of conduct?

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