Information Page - useful facts about WA for immigrants!
Education
School year starts in February and ends December. This year consists of 2 half years and 4 terms. There is a two week break between each term and the summer holidays (a long break of about 6-7 weeks) is taken at Christmas.
Fees and Enrollment - Every school in WA both State and Private charge a fee to contribute to costs, the costs in Private schools are not as expensive as in the UK but most Private schools are run by various religious groups. It is also the parents responsibility to purchase items from a stationery list supplied each year. These costs get higher as the child progresses through the education system and vary according to the subjects studied. TAFE (college)students are required to pay fees for courses although some help may be available via Centrelink payments. University fees are paid through student grants and loans dependent upon income.
Each State school has a catchment area and this rule is strictly enforced in the most popular schools, they are bound to offer every child living in the catchment area a place regardless of the capacity of the school. Private schools do not tend to be as strict on catchment areas but you would be responsible for your child's transport to school and acceptance of your child would be dependent on places available.
Health
Medicare is the subsidized health system. On arrival in Australia permanent residents need to register at the local office to be eligible for full cover.
Emergencies-Dial 000 free from any telephone or 112 from a mobile phone. The operator will then ask which service you require. It is advisable to note that AMBULANCES are not covered by Medicare but insurance is available at a small yearly cost.
Doctors and Prescriptions -Fees are payable when visiting the doctor and on obtaining a prescription. These fees vary but around 75% of doctors fees are reclaimable from Medicare and there are reduced costs on medications when you show a Medicare card to the Pharmacist/Chemist. Every major town has at least one 24hr Pharmacy and others are open regular shopping hours. As in the UK supermarkets stock standard medical items.
Hospitals - Medicare will cover most costs related to a hospital visit, however there are Private Health options available via most Insurance Companies. As is the case in the UK you may be required to wait for non urgent procedures on the Medicare system.
Utilities
All the companies charge set up fees on new accounts whether you purchase or lease a property. Our short term rental is inclusive of utilities with the exception of the telephone/Internet.
Telephone billing is based on a 30 day period payable by cash, credit card or Eftpos at the Post Office. Internet, post or Direct Debit payments are also an option. Fax machines and telephones from the UK will not work on the Australian system - leave them and save on shipping. The prefix to phone Australia from the UK is 00 61 and then drop the first 0 in the dialing code - 08 for WA becomes 8. Prepaid Phone Cards are available for payphones and landlines in Australia. Mobile Phone specifications should be checked the GSM standard is 900 MHz but 1800 is also used. If your phone is compatible you can purchase a prepaid startup kit with a new number and provider.
Gas/Electricity Charges are billed quarterly and are payable by cash, cheque or card at the Post office or by credit card via the Internet.Power Supply is 240 volts AC, 50 HZ, using a three pin socket. To use UK plugs you would need to purchase an adaptor. TV/Video/DVD TV's and Video recorders run on a different sound frequency to Australian systems so although you can see the picture there is no sound. Australia is region 4 for DVD and your player may be adjustable a region free DVD is the best way to go if you're about to purchase a player.
Water Rates An account is sent annually for sewerage use and usage is charged 6 monthly. On purchasing a property the remainder of the annual charge is due on settlement.
Rates are payable annually but can be split into 4 equal payments for a small fee. A percentage of the rates will be payable on settlement if purchasing a property. In Australia the new economic year starts 1st July.
Money
Bank Accounts - Identification based on a points system is required to open a Bank Account, scores are based on passport, driving license, tax file number etc. You will not require evidence of credit rating or income. All banks charge fees on all accounts including private accounts and mortgage accounts. Shop around for the best deals Internet banking is becoming the cheapest way to run your account. As soon as you get your Australian visa you're entitled to apply for a bank account this can be done from the UK.
EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale)- This system is the same as Switch but you key in a PIN (Personal ID Number) rather than sign for the transaction. It is the most common way for payment used in Australia and a card will be supplied on opening your account the same card is used for ATM (Automated Teller Machine) transactions.
Credit Cards - are acceptable in most retail outlets, Visa/Bankcard and Mastercard being the most commonly used. Most credit cards can be used at the ATM and EFTPOS facilities providing you have activated your PIN. Check with your company if your unsure.
Cash - All cash transactions are rounded to the nearest 5 cents, since 5 cents is the smallest coin available, other coins are 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. Notes are available in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Cash can be drawn via the ATM's but check with your bank to confirm compatibility with Maestro or Cirrus system used here in Australia.
GST (Goods and Services Tax) - is the equivalent of VAT and is presently 10%. Prices displayed show GST, it is not added at the register.
Real Estate
Purchasing a Property - in Australia is different from the UK. When looking for a property you do not have to visit all real estate offices, you contact any local real estate agent with your needs and they will do the work for you. They can arrange viewing andamp; lists of properties available within your criteria and will also negotiate on your behalf. "Home opens" (viewing to the public usually at weekends) are an ideal way to begin to seek the sort of home you may like if you don't want to engage an agent immediately. Property Developers have display homes open at weekends, and during the week in some cases, this is also an ideal way to have a peek at homes without an agent. It is also imperative for you to understand that if you sign an offer this is a legally binding contract in WA you cannot simply change your mind and the offer should contain "subject to" clauses, e.g."subject to finance", "subject to repairs"- if you notice anything amiss with the property or "subject to survey". Real Estate Agents deal with this contract for you and should advise you on this but be aware!
Mortgages - are available through Banks and Building Societies most banks require evidence of income if you are employed usually 3-6 months or 2 years accounts for the self employed. We found the Commonwealth Bank did waive these conditions for new immigrants who transferred funds via them from the UK. It is a good idea to bring any statements of your mortgage payments or rent payments with you. For business or retirement visas the rules are different and you should check the web site http://www.firb.gov.au
Settlement Agents - are employed to complete the sale. Your Real Estate Agent can usually recommend one or they will be listed in the yellow pages. They conform to all legal requirements for the sale, costs vary depending on the purchase price.
Termite Inspections - are carried out on all properties in WA before purchase the cost is the responsibility of the Purchaser, again usually the Real Estate Agent will arrange this for you or shop around yourself on price for this service. If termite activity is noted the Vendor (person selling) is liable for the cost of eradication. On a bush block (a block of land usually 1/2 acre or more where large amounts of the land will be left in its native state) be aware of tree stumps or railway sleepers since these are popular with the "little tike's".
Read more here buying property.
Transport
Driving Licenses - WA licenses are required if you obtain permanent residency although you may use your UK license for up to 3 months from date of entry. You will be required to do a computer based theory test to obtain your license. A book is available on the road rules or you can download a version from http://www.learners.wa.gov.au. Fees are subject to change but will be posted on the above site. If you do not hold a UK license you will be required to do both a theory and practical driving test.
Road Safety - Fines and penalty points on licenses are added for disregarding the road rules. Speeding is frowned upon and cameras are used daily to catch offenders. These cameras can be hidden in bushes at the side of the road, behind bus stops or even in front of wheelie bins, they are hard to spot until it is too late. Fines range from $50 with penalty points if you are over 10k's of the limit. Multinova cameras run 24 hours a day and are moved several times within that day. You should make yourself aware of all limits before driving on the highway and take note of road signs. Seat Belts are compulsory both for drivers and passengers again a fine and point are issued to the driver for non compliance. Drink Driving is a serious offence in all Australian states "Booze busses" are used to combat this and you will be pulled over at a roadblock and breathalysed. If you are over the limit you will be charged, fined and usually banned depending on your blood alcohol levels. The maximum legal limit is .05% unless you are on Probationary plates .02% or driving a coach or multi passenger vehicle .0%.
Purchasing a Car - New cars are considerably cheaper than in the UK however there are extras such as dealer delivery charges and government taxes on top of the advertised price. Extras including window tinting are often added, so ask for the full price inclusive of these items before signing the offer. Be aware an offer is signed and is a legal contract to buy, you can not change your mind once you have signed the offer, car salesmen usually insist you sign the offer before agreeing to the price you are discussing. Second Hand vehicles tend to be more expensive than in the UK, especially for older models due to the fact there is not an MOT in WA and vehicles do not rot due to the climatic conditions. You should take care when purchasing a vehicle, an independent check would be prudent. Dealers are bound by law to give a warranty on vehicles over $2000, they may attempt to sell you an extended warranty over and above this, be aware these warranties do not "cover everything" and read the small print carefully as they are often a Mechanical Breakage warranty this does not cover wear and tear - mechanical parts rarely break! Again they will ask you to sign an offer which is then a legal contract of sale.
MOT - There is no Ministry Test in WA. You need to be aware of this as safety standards are not as stringent as in the UK so you may purchase a car which is unroadworthy as it may never have been maintained. You just need to renew the License Tax (Reggo) each year to keep it on the road, if you fail to do so the vehicle must be presented at a registered garage for a safety check. It is the responsibility of the police to enforce the laws regarding the maintenance of vehicles and if the police stop you and issue a yellow sticker which they give if they find the vehicle has faults, you are then required to have the vehicle inspected andamp; to carry out all repairs required.
Car Insurance andamp; Road License Tax (Reggo)- All vehicles in WA are eligible for a tax. This license is payable either 6 or 12 monthly, fees vary on engine size andamp; business use. Third party bodily injury insurance is inclusive in this fee, so there is no legal requirement for Insurance. However you should be aware that this cover is limited to bodily injury claims only and if an accident were your fault the other driver is within his rights to ask you for compensation for loss or damage to his vehicle. It is therefore sensible to take out Third Party or Fully Comprehensive Insurance to cover for such losses. Shop around as you can make great savings by doing so.
Fuel - Vehicles in WA run on various types of fuel, petrol being the most popular. Prices vary daily and it is often prudent to buy mid week for the best price. Petrol ranges in price from $1:27 a litre to almost a $1:50 in the metro area and is dearer in country areas. Diesel engines are popular in 4x4 and commercial vehicles, diesel prices are usually a couple of cents dearer per litre than petrol. LPG is becoming increasingly popular due to the price which is usually at least half of the petrol price per litre. There is presently a government subsidy available for private vehicle conversion, these costs should be taken into account when changing over. Unlike the UK LPG is available at nearly all service stations.
If you have specific questions regarding any information on this page please contact us when we will do our best to help you.
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