Contents
1.
Introduction
3
2.
Relocating to Australia
4
Visas
Relocation Assistance
Transferring to a
Regional Destination
Temporary Accommodation
Transport/Vehicle
3.
Living in Australia
Taxation
Goods and Services Tax
Income Tax
Tax File Number
Superannuation
Banking
Health Care
Education
Driver’s Licence
Australian Culture
Local Information
5.
6.
4
4
5
5
7
7
7
7
8
9
10
10
12
13
13
13
Checklist
14
Cost of Living
15
PAGE 2 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
Introduction
This short guide has been prepared to support
you in your relocation to a Charles Sturt University
campus in Australia. The guide provides a brief
explanation of important topics such as health
care, education, superannuation, taxation and
getting to your destination, as well as links to
information on housing, transport and cost of
living.
A range of links to financial institutions, retailers,
insurers and utility providers have been included
throughout this document. These links are
provided to assist you in your preliminary
relocation enquiries. Their inclusion is not an
endorsement by the University of that company or
its products.
The information contained within the guide is not
conclusive, and you may therefore need to make
further additional independent enquiries in relation
to matters affecting your own personal
circumstances.
It is recommended that you view this guide on a
computer as it contains links to many websites
that provide additional information.
Information in this document is current as at July
2014.
PAGE 3 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
Relocating to Australia
Airfare/s to Australia
Visas
If the University has agreed to cover airfares,
flights will be booked once the University has
received notification of the receipt of relevant visa
approval/s.
To enter, live and work in Australia, you and any
dependants will be required to hold an appropriate
Australian Government visa. The type of visa for
which the University will sponsor you is discussed
with you at the time of offer. The visa
classification selected will depend on the nature of
your work at CSU, your length of stay and the
lead time to commencing in the offered position.
It is important you are clear about the entitlements
and limitations of the nominated visa
classification, particularly in relation to health care
(page xx) and education (page xx).
The University’s visa specialists will contact you in
relation to your visa application. It is important to
note processing and approval of visas is
managed through Australia’s Department of
Immigration and Citizenship and is therefore
outside the control of the University.
Relocation Assistance
Where the University has agreed to assist you in
relocating to a CSU campus in Australia, the type
of assistance offered will be detailed in the offer of
employment.
Possessions and Pets
If the University has agreed to provide financial
assistance for relocation of household effects, the
University will advise its international service
provider, who will in turn contact you to provide a
quotation. The University will consider
quotations from other removalists upon request.
The University requires confirmation of receipt of
the necessary visa approval/s prior to arranging
removalist services or paying removalist
expenses.
It is important to understand that delays can occur
in the relocation of possessions which are outside
the control of the relocation provider and the
University. This may include shipping delays due
to inclement weather, port loading/unloading, and
quarantine inspection and withholding
requirements.
Pets being relocated to Australia may be subject
to several weeks quarantine.
For further information on bringing possessions
and pets to Australia visit Australian Quarantine
and Inspection Service at
http://australia.gov.au/topics/business-andindustry/primary-industry/quarantine-andinspection.
PAGE 4 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
Transferring to a
Regional Destination
Destination Goulburn
Fly into Sydney International Airport. From there
choose one of the following options:
Travelling to your regional destination will be
managed by the University as part of your travel
booking. The following is provided for your
general information.
1. Regional train or coach services (departing
from Sydney Central Station). The Airport
Link train service is available to take you to
Central Station.
Destination Albury or Wagga Wagga
2. Hire a car (available from the international
terminal) and travel south east on the Hume
Highway to Goulburn.
Fly into either Sydney or Melbourne International
Airport and transfer to a domestic flight for the
final leg of your journey.
Destination Bathurst, Canberra,
Dubbo, Orange and Port Macquarie
Fly into Sydney International Airport and transfer
to a domestic flight for the final leg of your
journey.
Destination Wangaratta
Fly into Melbourne International Airport. From
there choose one of the following options:
1. Regional train or coach network departing
from Southern Cross Station. An
express bus services (Skybus) is
available for transfers from the airport to
Southern Cross Station.
2. Hire a car (available at the International
terminal) and travel north on the Hume
Highway to Wangaratta.
3. Transfer to a domestic flight to Albury,
and travel the final leg south to
Wangaratta in a hire car.
PAGE 5 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
Terminal maps for Sydney Airport and Melbourne
Airport will assist you in navigating from
international to domestic terminals.
Temporary/Short term
Accommodation
The local visitor information centre in your
destination area can assist you in arranging
suitable short-term accommodation. To find the
Visitor Information Centre nearest to your
destination, visit New South Wales Visitor
Information Centres, for Canberra visit Canberra
and Region Visitor Information, or for Wangaratta
in Victoria visit Wangaratta Visitor Information
Centre.
Transport/Vehicle
While bus services are available in most regional
centres, services can be limited. You may find it
necessary to hire a vehicle for private use. There
are a number of car rental options available to
you. Both Hertz and Avis rental companies
provide corporate discounts to University staff
upon quoting the Corporate Discount Number.
PAGE 6 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
Hertz - Corporate Discount Number 231856
www.hertz.com.au.
Avis – Corporate Discount Number P672299
www.avis.com.au.
Car rental pricing can be compared at
www.rentalcars.com.
Living in Australia
Taxation
Tax is money that people and businesses pay the
government. The Australian Taxation Office
collects income tax and other Commonwealth
taxes, such as goods and services tax (GST).
These taxes are used to provide services to the
community, such as health, education, defence,
roads, social security and welfare.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Goods and services tax (GST) is a broad-based
tax of 10% on most goods, services and other
items sold or consumed in Australia. Generally,
businesses registered for GST will include GST in
the price of sales to their customers, and claim
credits for the GST included in the price of their
business purchases. While retail pricing as a
general rule includes GST, this is not always the
case for contracted work, so it is important to
check whether a quoted price is inclusive or
exclusive of GST.
PAGE 7 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
Income Tax
Income tax is a charge on income, such as salary
and wages. Income tax is deducted from your
salary/wage by your employer. This deduction
may also include government levies, such as
Medicare (See page 10 and 11).
At the end of each financial year you lodge a tax
return to the Australian Taxation Office, telling
them how much income you have received and
how much tax you have paid for the year. This
may trigger a refund in the event of overpayment
during the year, or an account for payment in the
event of a payment shortfall.
The amount of income tax deducted from your
salary each fortnight will depend upon your
residency status (residency tests for taxation
purposes are different to Department of
Immigration and Citizenship), whether you opt for
the tax free threshold, and whether Medicare Levy
is applicable. For further information on tax rates,
thresholds and levies visit Individual Income Tax
Rates.
The ATO Individual non-Business Calculator can
assist you in estimating income tax on your gross
salary.
Tax File Number
A tax file number (also known as “TFN”) is a
unique nine digit number issued by the Australian
Taxation Office to individuals and organisations.
The tax file number assists the Australian
Government in administration of its taxation and
other systems.
It's not compulsory to have a tax file number, but if
you don't have one you may have more tax
withheld from your wage/salary than you need to,
or you may not be able to receive certain
government benefits.
Apply for a tax file number online as soon as
possible AFTER entering Australia. The
Australian Taxation Office will validate your
information with the Department of Immigration
and Citizenship as part of the online application.
Application processing can take up to 28 days.
Alternatively, tax file number application forms are
available from Australia Post upon arrival in
Australia. Once completed, forward the
application via post to the Australian Taxation
Office address nominated on the form.
Following receipt of your tax file number from the
Australian Taxation Office, email it to
[email protected] as soon as possible. This will
ensure your payroll information is updated and
that you will be taxed appropriately. Your tax file
number may also require disclosure to other
agencies including your bank and superannuation
fund.
PAGE 8 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
How to Apply
Detailed information on how to apply for your Tax
File Number is available at
www.ato.gov.au/individuals under Permanent
Migrant or Temporary Visitors – Applying Online.
Alternatively, telephone the Australian Taxation
Office on 132 861 to arrange for a form to be sent
to you.
Superannuation
Superannuation (also known as “Super”) is money
that you build up and save during your working life
to help provide the lifestyle you want in retirement.
Contributions paid to your superannuation fund
are held for you until you retire.
If you are an eligible employee, your employer is
obliged to pay an amount of money, broadly
based on your salary, into a complying super fund
for your retirement. This is known as the
Superannuation Guarantee and is governed by
federal legislation and Australian Taxation Office
(ATO) tax rulings. The Superannuation
Guarantee is currently 9.5% and is paid in
addition to your wage/salary.
.Depending upon the nature of your employment
arrangement you may be eligible for a higher level
of employer superannuation, with contributions of
up to 17%. In such circumstances, you may be
asked to contribute a portion of your salary to
superannuation. This contribution can be reduced
but doing so may impact upon entitlements such
as insurance products.
Superannuation contributions are generally paid
into UniSuper, a tertiary education industry
superannuation fund.
The superannuation contribution paid by the
University and any co-contribution required by you
are detailed in your offer of employment.
PAGE 9 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
If you are working under a temporary residency
visa you may be eligible to claim a Departing
Australia Superannuation Payment upon exiting
Australia.
For further information contact UniSuper on
+61399106290 (outside Australia) or 1800 331685
(within Australia) or visit www.unisuper.com.au.
Banking
You will be required to establish a bank account in
Australia. This can be done prior to or after your
arrival. There are a variety of banks and credit
unions to choose from, and it is important that you
choose a product that meets your personal needs.
In all instances, upon arrival in Australia you will
be required to provide evidence verifying your
identity to your nominated bank. Your bank or
financial institution will advise you of the types of
documents required to be presented for
verification purposes.
The four major Australian banks are Australia and
New Zealand Banking Corporation (ANZ),
Commonwealth Bank, National Australian Bank
(NAB) and Westpac Banking Corporation
(Westpac). The following links are provided for
your convenience.
www.commbank.com.au/personal/international/m
oving-to-australia.html
www.nab.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/nab/nab/hom
e/personal_finance/15/23/1/1
www.anz.com/personal/travel-foreignexchange/moving-australia/
www.westpac.com.au/personal-banking/movingto-australia/migrant-banking/
PAGE 10 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
If you are required to provide an address in
Australia, but have not yet sourced appropriate
accommodation, we suggest you use the
appropriate Charles Sturt University campus
address as your temporary address.
Visit www.csu.edu.au/about/locations for campus
addresses.
Health Care
Australia has both public and private health care
systems.
Public health services in Australia are provided by
Medicare Australia, an Australian government
agency. Medicare provides access to free
treatment as a patient in a public hospital, free or
subsidised out-of-hospital treatment by a range
health care professionals and access to
subsidised medicines under the National
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Medicare does not cover all health related
expenses (eg admission to a private hospital,
ambulance services, and ancillary care such as
optical and dental). Many people choose to obtain
more comprehensive cover from a private health
insurance provider. It is important to compare
different funds as the cost and type of cover
offered can vary widely. Visit
www.privatehealth.gov.au/ to compare funds and
levels of cover.
Your ability to access the Australian public health
care system will depend upon whether you are a
citizen of a country which has a Reciprocal Health
Care Agreement with Australia and the type of
visa you will hold during your stay.
It is important to note that some temporary visa
classifications (eg subclass 457) may require you
obtain private health insurance for yourself and
any dependants prior to entering Australia and
maintain this cover for the duration of your stay
under the nominated visa classification.
We recommend you seek further detailed
information from www.immi.gov.au/skilled/457health-insurance-faq-visa-holder.htm.
If you currently hold private health insurance and
your fund is a member of the International
Federation of Health Plans (IFHP) you may be
able to transfer to an Australian fund, without
penalty, and with a similar level of cover. To
check the membership of your current health fund
visit www.ifhp.com.
Alternatively, a number of private health funds
offer tailored insurance packages for temporary
visitors to Australia, such as those travelling under
a subclass 457 Visa. The following companies
demonstrate the types of tailored products
available.
www.iselect.com.au
www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance
PAGE 11 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
www.austhealth.com
www.hcf.com.au/healthinsurance/overseasvisitors-health-cover
How to Apply for Medicare
If you are eligible for Medicare, you should
present your passport, visa and other relevant
documents to a Medicare office 7-10 days after
your arrival in Australia. The table below provides
contact details for Medicare Australia.
Medicare Australia contact details
Telephone 13 2011
In person
See: Medicare Australia office
locations
Homepage See: Medicare Australia
Education
In Australia, a child is required to attend school
from the age of 6 until the completion of Year 10
or upon turning 17 years of age. You have the
choice of sending your child/children to public
school (government funded and operated) or to
private school (Catholic and independent
schools).
Bathurst, Dubbo, Goulburn,
Orange, Port Macquarie, Sydney,
Wagga Wagga
While public education is generally provided at
little or no cost to citizens and permanent
residents of Australia, fees may be applicable if
you and your dependants are residing in Australia
under temporary visa arrangements. Admission
requirements vary between States and Territories,
with fees charged on the basis of visa sub
classification. As fees can be significant, we
recommend you seek advice from the appropriate
education provider for your intended location.
Canberra
The list below provides websites and contact
details for each of the States and Territory within
the University’s footprint. The sites provide
information on admission requirements, fee
structures and finding government schools in the
desired area.
Albury Wodonga
Albury - State Government of New South Wales
NSW Department of Education
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +61 1300 300229
Wodonga - State Government of Victoria
Department of Education and Early Childhood Victoria
Email: [email protected]
Telephone +61 396372990
PAGE 12 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
State Government of New South Wales
NSW Department of Education
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +61 1300 300229
Australian Capital Territory Government
ACT Government Education and Training Directorate
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +61 262077293
State Government of New South Wales if residing
outside the Australian Capital Territory (example,
Yass or Queanbeyan)
NSW Department of Education
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +61 1300 300229
It is important to note that admission to public
schools and some catholic schools may be zone
based, requiring you to reside within a designated
geographic area in order to gain admission to a
particular school.
The Australian Schools Directory is a valuable
point of reference for identifying both government
and private schools in a specific location. The My
School website enables you to search, review and
compare schools.
Driver’s Licence
Australian Culture
To drive a motor vehicle in Australia, you will be
required to comply with the driver’s licensing
provisions of the State in which you intend to
reside. You may be required to pass a knowledge
test, a practical driving test and an eyesight test.
It is important when you are driving to keep your
driver’s licence with you.
While Australia is an English speaking country, it
has its own unique culture and values. It is
important when relocating to Australia to give
yourself and your family time to absorb and
understand the Australian culture and adjust to
your new surroundings.
The vehicle you drive in Australia must be
registered with the appropriate State government
department. The table below provides links to
licensing and registration information for each
state and lists office locations.
For further general information on living in
Australia, we recommend you visit the
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Website.
Local Information
Residency
Albury
State
New South
Wales
Website
Transport
Roads and
Martime
Services
Wodonga
Bathurst, Dubbo,
Goulburn
Orange, Port
Macquarie,
Sydney, Wagga
Wagga,
Queanbeyan,
Yass
Canberra
Victoria
New South
Wales
VicRoads
Transport
Roads and
Martime
Services
Australian
Capital
Territory
RegoACT
PAGE 13 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
It is important that both you and any dependants
feel part of the local community. We encourage
you to get involved in community life and
experience what the region has to offer. Visitor
Information Centres are an excellent source of
information about the local area, providing maps
and information on a range of topics including,
sporting and cultural activities and access to
facilities and services. We strongly recommend
your visit your local visitor information centre
either online or in person in the first few weeks
after arrival and get involved in community life.
To find the Visitor Information Centre for your
area, visit New South Wales Visitor Information
Centres, for Canberra visit Canberra and Region
Visitor Information Centre or for Wangaratta visit
Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre.
Checklist
Apart from the many things you will need to do
such as familiarising yourself with your new
surroundings, finding long-term accommodation
and enrolling children in school, it is important that
you make time to
 Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) (page 8)
 Register with Medicare (if eligible) (page 11)
 Open a bank account (page 10)
 Apply for a Driver's Licence (page 13)
PAGE 14 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
Cost of Living
Renting or Buying a Property
Whether you are considering renting or
purchasing a property, we recommend you visit
www.realestate.com.au or www.domain.com.au.
Both sites offer a current listing of properties
available for rent and purchase in your area of
interest together with indicative pricing.
Household Utilities
Alternatively, you can contact utility suppliers
directly. For gas and electricity supply, go to
Origin , AGL or Energy Australia.
For phone and broadband services leading
providers are Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone.
Mains water supply is managed at a local level. In
some locations it is the responsibility of the local
government (council) for the area; in other
locations supply is managed through a dedicated
water authority. We recommend you check with
the local council for the area or a real estate agent
in the first instance to confirm the supplier.
Furniture, Bedding and Electrical
Major suppliers of furniture, bedding and electrical
goods are located in most larger regional centres
within the University’s footprint. For information
on indicative pricing of furniture, bedding and
electrical visit Harvey Norman.
PAGE 15 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
Groceries
In Australia, the price of food and other household
consumables can vary between locations. While
there are a several grocery suppliers to choose
from, Woolworths and Coles both offer location
specific online pricing. To obtain location specific
pricing you will need to register with either
supplier and enter the required postcode of your
destination location.
Postcodes for CSU regional locations are:
Albury
Bathurst
Canberra
Dubbo
Goulburn
Orange
Port Macquarie
Wagga Wagga
Wangaratta
2640
2795
2600
2830
2580
2800
2444
2650
3677
Motor Vehicle
Education
While bus services are available in most regional
centres, services can be limited. A motor vehicle
is, more often than not, the most convenient form
of transport for regional living. Indicative pricing of
new and used motor vehicles in Australia can be
found at carsales.com.au.
Costs associated with children’s education will
depend upon your visa classification and
conditions and whether you select a public or
private education provider. Refer to page 12 for
more detailed information.
Health Care
Fuel
The Australian Automobile Association provides
indicative pricing for motor vehicle fuel.
PAGE 16 – Division Human Resources (OPC)
Costs associated with health care in Australia will
depend upon your visa classification and
conditions. Refer to pages 10 and 11 for more
detailed information.
PAGE 17 – Division Human Resources (OPC)