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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect when visiting Australia?
What should I expect when working in Australia?
What is life in Australia like?
Health Care In Australia
Doctors
Education
Housing
Family
Things to do
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Visiting Australia
Australia is a wide land with vast contrasts in scenery, a laid back way of life and a friendly culture not seen anywhere else in the world.
You could be swimming or surfing at one of Australia's pristine beaches which encompass the thousands of kilometres of coastline, sampling the fruits of the vine and valleys, trekking through gorges and wilderness and skiing the next day.
Then again, there is nothing like enjoying the sunshine having a barbeque in the afternoon with friends.
In addition to one of the most resilient growth economies in the world, the opportunities in Australia are unlimited.
For more information about life in Australia click here.
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Working in Australia
Wages and working conditions
Working conditions in Australia are set out in law by the, Workplace Relations Act 1996.
Doctors are covered by a common law employment contracts. This is commonplace for those who do temporary contract work through an agency. This agreement is negotiated between the worker and his or her employer to set out wages and conditions of employment.
Doctors association
Under the AMA (WA)'s membership Dr's receive many benefits including advice, representation, industry publications such as Medicus and discounts to a number of locations throughout the state. Contact AMA(WA)'s membership manager at membership@amawa.com.au .
Leave entitlements
Most workers are paid for public holidays, however contract and casual workers are paid for the number of hours worked.
Additional paid leave, for most workers (except contract and casual workers), includes annual leave, sick leave and long service leave and in some circumstances family or personal leave may apply.
The contract of employment will detail your leave entitlements.
Superannuation
Superannuation is a government savings program which ensures that while you work, you save money to live on in retirement. Also known as super it is a requirement of almost all employees in Australia.
The government requires most employers to pay an amount equal to nine percent (9%) of your taxable income into your superannuation fund. You can also put extra money into your superannuation fund.
Temporary resident doctors also have the ability of accessing their superannnuation on leaving Australia.
Occupational health, safety and welfare
Employers must ensure they provide adequate instructions, training and supervision to new staff to protect their health and safety.
For further information please visit the links below:
• Occupational health, safety and welfare factsheet (myfuture)
• National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)
• OH&S legal obligations factsheet (NOHSC)
• Links to state and territory workers' compensation and health and safety agencies (NOHSC)
Income tax
Income tax is deducted from your salary and paid on your behalf to the Australian Taxation Office.
All other forms of income such as from investments or interest from banks accounts must be declared on your tax return.
Tax amounts are calculated for each financial year - from 1 July to 30 June and a return must be submitted by all employees to the Australian Taxation Office by 31 October for the previous years tax period. Employer(s) will provide a Payment Summary after 30 June summarising your earnings which must be included in the tax return.
Tax File Number
Prior to commencing employment in Australia you must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) to enable you to work. A TFN can be applied for online, see below:
Online tax file number registration system for permanent migrants and individuals visiting Australia - fact sheet (ATO)
Tax File Number declaration
On commencement of employment with a new employer you must complete a Tax File Number (TFN) declaration, which your employer will give you. This information is used to calculate how much tax you need to pay. You are requested to enter your Tax File Number on this form. If you do not, more tax may be deducted from your pay than needed.
Australian Taxation Office contacts
Australian Taxation Office contact information
homepage
How to contact the Tax Office
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Health Care in Australia
Health
Health care in Australia is based on western techniques using high level technical and scientific skills to identify and treat ill-health. Preventing ill-health through education and regular checkups is the main emphasis of treatment.
Emergencies
In the case of an emergency medical assistance can be obtained through certain medical centres and emergency departments within hospitals, particularly when after hours.
Some emergency phone numbers can be found inside the front cover of the White Pages telephone directory. However, in an urgent emergency, call 000 for an ambulance to provide assistance onsite and transport to a hospital. Translation services are also available. Do not hang up.
Doctors
GPs
The first point of medical care is the local family doctor or 'GP' located at the nearest medical centre. The choice of doctor and location to attend is up to the patient. Look up the Medical Practitioners area guide listing in the Yellow Pages telephone directory for GPs in your area. .
Interpreter services can be arranged during an appointment at no cost to the patient.
Specialists
To see a specialist, you must first see a GP for a referral.
Specialists can also be found in the area guide listed under "Medical Practitioners" in the Yellow Pages telephone directory.
Medication
Tthe Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), is the means by which government subsidises prescribed medication to make it affordable to all. To learn more about the PBS visit the PBS website .
Some basic medications can be purchased over the counter and without a prescription, at chemists and supermarkets.
Public Hospitals
Public hospitals in Australia are funded by the Australian Federal and State governments and adminstered by the State governments.
Located throughout Australia, they provide a range of medical services to patients. Although smaller sized hospitals may not provide a full range of services, the following services can be expected at most larger sized hospitals. These can include emergency care, surgery, cardiology, radiology, obstetrics and gynaecology, nuclear medicine, pathology, physiotherapy, orthopaedic, mental health care, as well as a range of para-medical services.
Public hospitals also provide Outpatient Services where, with no prior appointment, you can receive medical treatment and leave the same day, or if needed, admitted for serious problems. However, in some instances there can be a considerable wait to receive treatment.
Public patients can not choose their practitioners, however , they are not get charged for treatment.
Private hospitals
Like Public hospitals, Private hospitals are also located throughout Australia, and must be licensed with the State government. They also deliver a range of in-hospital services to patients similar to those outlined under the Public Hospitals section above. Private hospitals also offer Day Care medical services.
In Private hospitals, patients can nominate their treating practitioners. Medicare covers a proportion of the doctor's fees, however, it does not cover the cost of private hospital accommodation. Private health coverage is available to cover some of these costs.
Dentists
Private dentists operate surgeries in most local areas and charge a fee for their range of dental services. Private health coverage is available to cover some of these costs.
Other Options
Community Health Centres conduct health checks on young children and also provide parenting support, education and information. These can be found by contacting your local government office.
There are also a range of therapists listed in the Yellow Pages who offer alternative treatments such as massage, herbal medicines, and acupuncture.
Medicare
The Australian Government provides help with medical expenses for permanent residents through a scheme called Medicare. Medicare provides health care services and programs such as free public hospital care, help with the cost of out-of-hospital care, and subsidised medicines.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance covers many Australians for medical treatment as a private patient in private or public hospitals. It can include some services not covered by Medicare such as dental and optical services. There are many options available and costs vary so be sure to chose a policy that suits your families needs.
You can find further detail about health in WA at the Department of Immigration website by clicking here.
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Education
Australia's education system
Education in Australia is administered by both Federal and State Australian government. State governments are responsible for providing schools and education as well as supporting non-government schools.
The Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) (Federal Government) provides additonal support for identified priorities such as literacy and numeracy programs, and is also responsible for tertiary education. Vocational Education and Training is shared between the State and Territory and Federal Governments.
The Australian education system is divided into five broad categories:
- Preschool
- Primary School
- Secondary/High School/Secondary Colleges
- Career and Vocational Training
- University or other tertiary institutions
The system of teaching focusses less on outward discipline and memory work, and more on self discipline, asking questions and encouragement by tapping into a childs interests.
Parents are also encouraged to become involved in their childs schooling. The majority of schools have parent - teacher associations which help define what is taught and also assist in raising funds for school events. Parents are encouraged to participate.
Compulsory schooling
Attending school is compulsory for students in most states and territories until the age of fifteen, or year 10. Students can choose to leave at this time and pursue vocational training or they may stay on to complete their Year 12 studies, potentially then continuing on to university.
Public and private schools
Parents have the option of sending their child to either a public or private school. A public school education is free in most states, although there are additional costs for books and uniforms and there can be an annual voluntary fee to cover extra activities. Most public schools have an even mix of boys and girls and encourage equal participation in class.
The majority of Private schools are administered by the Catholic Education Office, and independent schools of other religious persuasions are administered by their own boards. Private schools have their own fee structure and receive a subsidy from both Federal and State governments, however, non-permanent residents will be charged at a full fee rate. Many private schools are also either all boy or all girl schools.
You can find further detail about education in WA at the Department of Education and Training (WA) website by clicking here.
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Housing
The housing in Australia differs from region to region, with much of the architecture based on European and American styles. Modern Australian housing has a distinctly Australian flavour with views, and energy efficiencies taking precendence due to the extremes in weather. Both timber and brick formed dwellings are commonplace providing character within the community. Coupled with the environment and easily accessed infrastructure like sporting fields, parks and shopping centres, it allows for a typically Australian laid back lifestyle.
Homes can be rented, bought or built. However, in order to buy or build on property within Australia you must be a permanent resident and are subject to assessment by the Foreign Investment Review Board.
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Family
There is much support available for parents wanting to bring up a family in Australia both from government and private organisations such as RHW's Rural Medical Family Network WA. Many businesses are family friendly and offer childcare and support as part of their services.
In addition you couldn't ask for a safer place to bring up children with many community programs in place to ensure their safety.
With plenty of things to keep the kids busy, and a warm dry climate the weather is always great to be out and about. Keep an eye out for community events through your local government office as there is always a fair, show or other event happening most weekends, and if not, the beaches and parks are plentiful with barbecuing and bathroom facilities available most places.
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Things to do
Site seeing in National Parks
- Gorges
- Land formations
- Native flora, fauna and wildlife
- Diving with whales
Experience
- Feeding Dolphins
- Sampling wineries, breweries & a range of gourmet delicacies
- Aboriginal culture
- Pristine beaches and islands
- Australian arts & culture
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Caving
- 4 wheel driving
- Outback adventures
- Sailing
Click here to see what Australian Culture and recreation has to offer. For more WA tourist attractions click here or for all Australian attractions click here.
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Source DIMA 2004
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