carlhall

I fail to see why ending of Bulk Billing would be a good thing? If a GP decides to Bulk Bill a patient then that his his decision and has absolutely no impact on you, so why should you be so against Bulk Billing. My wife is severely disabled and and as such has a Disabled Pensioner card because she is physically unable to work. I am her full time carer and as such get an allowance to care for her. We both see our GP at least once a month, My wife in the last few weeks has had two X-Rays, CT Scan with another one scheduled for Tuesday next. Bowl cancer tests, ECG, ultrasound and various blood tests. If we would have had to make a $5 payment for all the visits and tests (as was the original co payment idea), we would not have visited the Doctor as much the tests would not have been done. We have a limited income and if we had been forced to make the $5 payment for each visit or consultation then we would either be eating a lot less or just a lot unhealthier because of financial restraints. I find it utterly selfish of people to spout off about bulk billing when they do not understand or want to understand other peoples situations.

If we do return it will be in about 5 years and probably to the south west. Maybe Devon or Cornwall but nothing set in concrete just long term possibilities

You apply for a TFN (tax file number). I am not sure if you can apply in advance when I moved you had to be in Australia to get a TFN. You can work while you are waiting for it to be issued and any overpayment of tax can be claimed at the end of the tax year.

I have had several of these calls and kept hanging up but Last time I got this call I told them i did not own a computer. Fingers crossed they have not bothered me since. I have reported it to Scamwatch and to Telstra. Unfortunately the calls originate outside Australia and everyone seems powerless to stop them or take any action' Another scam doing the rounds are cold callers who tell you they are affiliated to Telstra and can save you money on your next bill. These are trying to get your details from you.

I live in Hervey Bay but I do not think I would use McDonalds delivery service I am not a great fan but I do not think it any different to having a Pizza or a Chinese take away delivered. It should also bring a couple of positives.... A few more jobs for an area that has a relatively high unemployment rate. There are plans to open a second store at the Urangan end of town. When someone has been drinking at home it will remove the temptation for them to drive to the local McDonalds. It keeps the do-gooders happy because they can spend what seems like hours on TV telling everyone why its a bad idea!!!! Hervey bay has a thriving tourist industry and I can see this really being popular with the tourists

I take it you went in a normal gondola and not one of these with the glass bottom. I declined the offer of traveling in one of these. :twitcy: Photo courtesy of Skyrail.....

Crocs on the Daintree River and her friend Small Church Point Douglas Australian Coast Guard Views from Sky Rail Hotel pool

Weather was good but a bit windy on Day Dream island, Cairns we managed to avoid the showers that were floating around. Wednesday afternoon was our only real free time but we avoided a shower by taking a well earned rest in the Hotel. Most of our group were pleased with how warm it was but we said it was decidedly chilly at times. I think around mid 20's. :biglaugh:

I think if we ever do it again it will either be a road trip or fly up there. I would not recommend the overnight journey on the "Spirit of Queensland" The Railbeds are in my opinion a mobile torture chamber, Unfortunately the "Sunlander" service that we used on the return journey is much better but it is being scrapped this year. . The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and it is something everyone should try to see. I took over a 1000 photos and I will be sorting them out for weeks. :wink:

Got back this morning from our ten days around Day Dream Island and up to Cairns, It was a very busy break but very enjoyable. Unfortunately I was unable to connect to the internet so I have waited till I got home to post some pics. We visited day Dream Island, Cairns, Port Douglas, Atherton Tablelands and Daintree river and the Rain Forest it was a very busy 10 days but well worth the effort to see areas I may never have another chance to see.

Hi Keep the passport handy because his visa is tied to that passport number. You do not need to renew the passport unless you intend traveling outside Australia. I have only just renewed my UK passport and that was purely in case of an emergency in the UK. Once you become a citizen your visa is cancelled as citizens do not need a visa. So do not stress a current Passport is not needed....

You have Xray to see if your free of things like TB. if you have a blood test ( I did not have one for spouse visa) Its a test for HIV or AIDS. Its not a drug test. The urine sample was checked in front of me at the doctors and it was a simple dip test for diabetes

That does not sound good for my holiday heading that way...... I could stay here and be cold. :smile::ssign10:

Hervey Bay is a great place to live, Despite what people say humidity is not a problem with the breezes coming of the ocean keeping the place warm and comfortable. Temperature at the moment is around 24c during the day and around 15 c at night. Your biggest problem would be finding suitable work here, unemployment is higher than average but if you can find employment prior to moving I cannot think of a better place to live.