Establish (Your Life in Australia)

The fifth step in your new life in Australia will involve the first few months.

Establishing your life in Australia will typically occur between the first week (and getting over your jet lag) and, up to, the third month after arrival.

When establishing yourself in Australia, things to consider include:

Topic Considerations
Vehicles
  • Buy a new or used car.
    • New Cars: Most new car dealers will quote you an ‘on the road’ price which includes all government taxes and procedures as part of the process.
    • Used Cars: The process is different when buying a used car. Although the seller has responsibilities, most items are dealt with by the buyer.
    • Payments maybe outstanding on the (used) vehicle and this will/may pass to the buyer. Fortunately you can check this (for a small fee) with the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) which is a national online register that can provide information to help protect consumers when they are buying personal property such as cars, boats or artworks (not including land or buildings), available at their website.
Vehicle Insurance
  • There are four types of vehicle insurance:
    1. Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance;
    2. Comprehensive Insurance;
    3. Fire and Theft Only; and
    4. Third Party Property Only.
  • Type 1 is obviously compulsory and Types 2 to 4 are optional.
  • You should shop around and ensure you purchase cover appropriate to your situation.
Housing
  • Search for permanent accommodation, either rental or purchase.
  • Tenancy agreements, since 01 July 2013, cannot make a tenant liable for paying council rates.
  • You will need to pay utilities, phones and internet.
Driving Licence
  • Obtain a West Australian driving licence.
  • You can drive for up to three months on a non-WA driving licence.
  • You will require a number of documents (from 4 categories) to facilitate this process. Example documents include:
    • Visa;
    • Passport;
    • Bank card;
    • Tax File Number; and
    • Bank Statement.
  • As a migrant, you can only get an initial WA driving licence at a Department of Transport (DOT) centre.
  • Documentation requirements are the same, regardless of your country of origin. However, certain tests are subject to your country origin.
  • The missus and I are just about to complete this bit, so will update once complete.
Job/Employment
  • If not already, meet up with your employer.
  • Complete any outstanding paperwork/documentation.
  • Employees and Independent Contractors (e.g. GPs) require a Tax File Number (TFN) via the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website.
  • Independent Contractors require an Australian Business Number (ABN) via the Australian Business Register (ABR) website.
School/Child Care
  • Kids start in school/child care (and make some new life-long friends).
Medicare
  • Set up Medicare, details can be found here.
Accountant
  • It may be advisable to retain the services of an accountant.
  • Like the UK tax system (where I moved from) the Australian tax system can be quite complex and complicated.
myGov Account
  • Set up a myGov account, details here.
  • myGov is a way to access Government online services, linking different services via one account, including:
    • Medicare;
    • Australian Taxation Office (ATO), allows online Tax Returns and Business Activity Statements (BAS);
    • Centrelink;
    • Child Support; and
    • National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Utilities
  • Establish utilities, including:
    • Telephone (and internet);
    • Water; and
    • Electricity or gas supplier.
  • Water is provided by a State/Territory Government organisation and includes a standing charge and a water use charge.
  • Depending on your State/Territory, you may have access to gas and electricity and be able to choose your supplier.
  • Utilities are subject to tight regulation.
Neighbourhood
  • Get to know your neighbourhood and make some friends.
  • Attend social functions, groups, networks, community events and/or festivals.

The next Step.