4lan

Sorry to read of your difficulties. I'm not a legal professional or qualified to offer advice in this field I can offer my suggestion though; Don't rest on your laurels and really push them for written letters for either the payment requests or a statement that you'll not be expected to pay for the electricity (if they still stall perhaps send them a letter saying 'further to your verbal request blah, blah, blah unless we have a letter by (eg two weeks) we will consider the matter closed and that we are not liable for payments for electric' etc by 'recorded' post). For two reasons; firstly don't give them time to regroup find a way to squeeze the claim through and second to ensure you are not caught out with the agents withholding your bond at the end of the tenancy.. I hope that helps. 4lan

Hi Linz, I'm not sure as to the exact figures but my wife and I moved here last year and spent roughly what you have saved. Our expenses went on temporary accommodation while we found a rental, a small car (second hand cars are expensive but we decided given the total cost of ownership a new small car was the best choice) several pieces of furniture, living costs for a three or four weeks until I was paid, connections charges/utilities/bills and the tenancy bond to name but a few. Incidentally you should perhaps contact some rental agencies and confirm what you'll need to provide to ensure you'll pass muster when applying to rent a property, which even then doesn't mean you will be accepted (see below comment about scarcity). There are a few used car dealers, independent and those associated with dealerships, I've heard various stories but in the main my advice would be 'buyer beware'. I'm not sure if there are any second hand furniture places to be honest, the information online about local businesses can be 'hit and miss' to say the least so of limited help I'm afraid. That said furniture here new is VERY expensive so I expect used items to reflect this as well, so if you can to ship as much as you can in a container . Even with a wage over 70k (basic house, car, social, entertainment etc.) then you'll be struggling; the cost of living here is VERY high (avg rent 400-700 (dependent on suburb) per week for a 3/4 bed house) and will make a serious dent in your pay every two weeks (rent is particularly high and properties rare, which is only inflating the cost). You'll likely find the cheaper rents will be in suburbs with older housing and possibly less desirable to raise children in. Even if you qualified for family credits which isn't certain (given that there are perquisites such as residency time and visa type not to mention means testing) you could still be pushing it. You've said you're coming over with 3 children but do not mention a partner at all, is it just the 4 of you? If so I would strongly suggest you assess your financials and put serious thought into ensuring you have planned for even the worst contingency, bear in mind that if you have difficulties you are a LONG way from your support network! You may wish to speak to CentreLink as soon as you arrive if not before to see if you qualify for any assistance or find out whether your employer will subsidise your rent (many families can only afford to live here because there rent is paid e.g. Defense Force and Police). It would also mean having to sort everything yourself including bank accounts, renting, car, shopping, schools and buy the furniture/equipment needed for your home. When my wife and I planned our visa application part of the requirements was ensuring we could support ourselves for two years without income after we arrived; the NT government advised that we should have 35k to fund our initial settling and relocation (not including the two years worth of income).. Apologies if I appear to be bombarding you with negatives that is not my intention. I am merely attempting to provide a small example of the reality you will face once you arrive. Darwin and the area is fantastic and we believe it is great for raising kids (although schools have had mixed reviews). Of course everything should work out alright with the right planning, attitude and savings so no dramas ;¬D I hope that helps. 4lan

Hi Jeffner, Like others replying to this thread we've used an agent to let our property so this is not exactly an answer to your question. However I would like to support the idea of using an agent; the tenant would not be disadvantaged (more likely better protected) and your property would be looked after and managed locally. While you may save money by not paying commission or fees you could be seriously affected if anything needs attention such as a broken washing machine (or other utility), maintenance, gas and electrical certifications or even chasing the tenant for rent.. My wife and I have a great relationship with our agent (a family recommendation) and trust them to manage the property and tenant in our absence. Should the worst happen (which is quite unlikely with good agents selecting appropriate long term tenants with appropriate reference etc.) would you be able to chase a tenant for missed rent and/or damage to the property or indeed theft if they decide they like the look of your boiler.. Extreme examples certainly but they are possible and having the security of a local and trusted agent to manage these things is certain worth the commission each month and occasional fees. Lastly using an agent will ensure the checking potential tenants is done by someone experienced and not just making a 'best guess'. You may have 3 years without problem, change tenants twice without problem. The third could then be the biggest nightmare from start to finish. Or the first could make your time freshly arrived in Perth to be a miserable time instead of the new and fun experience it should be. I suppose my meandering point is that can you afford to take a risk? I hope that helps. 4lan

I'm going to assume you're making this remark with your tongue firmly in your cheek. Here's a link that should offer some guidance for the original poster. http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/default.aspx Leading into my own first tax return in Aus I'll probably be obtaining some professional advice along the way. 4lan

This appears to be a dispassionate and balanced review however I'd appreciate some substaniating evidence please? Also for the sake of 'clarity' or 'pedantism' 'Northern Rock' is not and never was a 'bank'. It was certainly reckless and irresponsible but calling a tiger a leopard is not cricket.. (;¬P) I'll try to shut up now.. 4lan

No, while I'm not certain I beleive you are still expected to make some contribution. Either way I would rather you check and confirm me wrong than assume and prove me right! Edit - it appears there is a 'Voluntary' contribution scheme which isn't voluntary.. It certainly merits further inquiry. 4lan

Like that is 'recent' news. I left the UK nearly 12 months ago and this was a generally accepted fact for a year or more then.. 4lan

While I 'sort of' agree with your point perhaps you should say 'over-priced'. A value is determined by what someone is prepared to pay, I think your point is with the 'price' really. On a side note; I notice that most online figures/graphs exclude Darwin. Wonder why.. 4lan

How long ago did your parents leave and how much time since then have you lived in Darwin for? Also which cyclone, Tracy in 1974? 4lan

The only person that cares about my accent seriously is me; I work in networking and use words 'route' and 'routing' a lot. Needless to say it provokes much less 'tittering' if I conform ;¬D Not worth being a sore-thumb about it, I decided to move here after all! Why the hell is that embarrassing? He's moved to a different culture and is adopting pronunciations, colloquial phrases from where he chooses to be and you want to 'slap' him hard?! Really, you should think deeply and thoroughly about why it appears alright to you when writing something like that.. 4lan

The best use for a fridge right there!! My wife and I shipped everything we could including furniture and white goods over last year following advice from a relative who moved a few months before (just as most have suggested here). The cost to ship over is definitely less than buying new (we did the 'sums') provided they last a few years and if you can live with 'functional' furniture (it may not fit the decor of the house you're in) then you'll certainly save there.. Perhaps even be able to sell those you brought to offset some new.. 4lan

This with bells on; which goes doubly for mortgages/rent, cars (inc running costs), socialising, gifts etc. While I found the '2.2 times rule' helpful (nod to the Hoffinator) it cannot substitute thorough and detailed research. 4lan

http://www.fairwork.gov.au/termination/notice-periods/pages/what-notice-should-you-give-if-you-resign.aspx However I 'briefly' questioned my wife, a HR consultant, who without specific details suggested a 'reasonable' period would be the equivalent to a pay period which appears to be two weeks. However it is certainly best to use the link above and contact the Ombudsman directly for specific case advise rather than generic guesses. 4lan

While I agree with the first portion of your post I think the sweeping generalisation about the housing market needs balance; there has been a slow down in the construction industry (broadly speaking) caused in part by the high cost of borrowing and low buyer confidence. Yes, there has also been legislation to allow non permanent residents to purchase property however I understand this subsequently been restricted. Blaming the short supply of housing on 'people arriving in Aus' is divisive, there are no records to support this position. Is it tough to purchase/rent a property in Australia? Well depending on your income, savings and expectations it can be. However if supply is not meeting demand that is an infrastructure issue which is managed by the various governments. It's not as if the immigration numbers are 'unknown' each year or what natrualised population growth should be. For example if someone arranged a party at home for their partner, 3 children and one grandparent then invited 2 guests; It would not be the guests fault if the host ran out of chairs for people to sit on would it? Blame the host not the guests. 4lan Links One and Two.

Hi there Tamsalina, From experience (my wife and I) you're VERY fortunate if get any response with out the right to work in Australia. The impression I got is unless the employer is already sponsoring employees they are very averse to trying, I think its due to the paperwork and cost among other things.. My advice is pursue ALL avenues if you're wanting to migrate; it can be a long and tough process! Better to try three different methods rather than just one, you're chances of success can only go up! Beware though it can be a draining and exhausting journey! In addition I would strongly recommend you do thorough research on your eventual destination as there are significant differences around Australia and forewarned is forearmed! Hope that helps. 4lan