So do I start to panic?!

**MackyD** · 29-03-2012, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by rachall

Hi Macky D, have been told by a chap who posts on here that most employers won't consider it at the moment due to the fact it could go very soon.

This is true. All the details have not been released yet but it looks like they will explicitly remove it for those coming from abroad and tighten it up for those moving within Australia. What isn't clear yet is what they do about school fees. At the moment these are tax deductible for those on 457.

**pintpot** · 29-03-2012, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by MackyD

This is true. All the details have not been released yet but it looks like they will explicitly remove it for those coming from abroad and tighten it up for those moving within Australia. What isn't clear yet is what they do about school fees. At the moment these are tax deductible for those on 457.

Not sure that's right

In some states (NSW and ACT), people on a 457 have to pay school fees for government schools. In NSW it is $4500 per child, per annum, paid up front. In ACT I think it is double that but you can pay in instalments

This is out of your taxed income. So if you are coming on a 457 it makes it even more squeaky if you are having to pay school fees

You should not expect any change in the school fees position regardless of what they do with LAFHA. LAFHA rules are about income tax and are therefore a federal (commonwealth) matter, school fees are charged by the State governments and nothing to do with the Feds. So don't expect the NSW government to stop charging 457 holders school fees to make up for the fact they may have lost their LAFHA

**LKC** · 29-03-2012, 10:44 PM

We enquired about whether the school fees were tax deductable with the ATO and were told that they aren't for temp visa holders.

**MackyD** · 30-03-2012, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by pintpot

Not sure that's right

In some states (NSW and ACT), people on a 457 have to pay school fees for government schools. In NSW it is $4500 per child, per annum, paid up front. In ACT I think it is double that but you can pay in instalments

This is out of your taxed income. So if you are coming on a 457 it makes it even more squeaky if you are having to pay school fees

You should not expect any change in the school fees position regardless of what they do with LAFHA. LAFHA rules are about income tax and are therefore a federal (commonwealth) matter, school fees are charged by the State governments and nothing to do with the Feds. So don't expect the NSW government to stop charging 457 holders school fees to make up for the fact they may have lost their LAFHA

Apologies. Got my wires crossed. I'd had the discussion with someone about whether they would make fees tax deductible As a result of doing away with the LAFHA benefits and it wasn't clear they would. If LAFHA goes away then those on 457 will be paying full tax and still have to pay for the things those taxes are supposed to pay for.

**blobby1000** · 30-03-2012, 05:54 PM

No bugger told us we could claim this allowance and we sat on a 457 for nine months.

Pretty much sums up my sponser.

**blobby1000** · 30-03-2012, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by rachall

Ok people now I'm concerned! Thank you all for your honest replys, they are needed. Yes Blobby 1000 Nett pay before tax is 66,500, I also get a company car with full personal use, but if $66,500 is poor money for a managerial nurse position then I really do need to look research other options first and no they are not paying all relocation costs, just my flight and visa. We will have a substantial pot to fall back on but I am reluctant to rely on this as it would be a nice deposit on a house when/if I obtain PR.
Does any one know the going rate for a nurse in Sydney?

Hi Rachall,

Dont be worried, its good you asked the question.

I am an RPN2 year 4 and my basic is about 60,000 plus extras (which amount to loads) for weekends, nights, in charge shifts and because I got spnsered after 6 months for residency can now pick up loads more with extra agency work. My sponser paid for absolutely nothing, not even a cup of tea on arrival, and were unhelpful at every turn, but thats not the point here....

The private sector (which your job is yes?) should be paying at least 20 percent more, and being that you are a manager, and in Sydney, I would think a basic rate of 100k would be more reasonable.

The problem with these 457 sponsers is they spout rubbish knowing we are all chasing a dream. They try to get people on the cheap, which doesnt really matter if they sponser you after 6 months cos you can escape once you get here and realise you have been screwed. But 2 years is too long and my money would be on you giving up if you had to wait 2 years once you realised you had been ripped off, you will be eating pasta and living in a crap house while the nurses you meet will be residents on 100k a year driving their 4x4 and eating steak!!!! And you wont be able to do anything about it for 2 years!!

In your position I would be expecting at least 80k and sponsered residency after 6 months. These jokers want to make you manage a place but not pay you for it.

**blobby1000** · 30-03-2012, 06:05 PM

Also dont rely on your "substantial pot" there is no way you should need to supplement a life in Austrailia as a nurse at the moment with UK money. Keep hold of them because when it comes to buying a house you will want every penny you have as a decent house out here in Sydney will cost you at least 500k, probably more

**MARYROSE02** · 30-03-2012, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by blobby1000

Also dont rely on your "substantial pot" there is no way you should need to supplement a life in Austrailia as a nurse at the moment with UK money. Keep hold of them because when it comes to buying a house you will want every penny you have as a decent house out here in Sydney will cost you at least 500k, probably more

I picked up a real estate guide in Penrith the other day and I see there are plenty of decent looking homes for under $400,000. I was very impressed with Penrith too.

**rachall** · 31-03-2012, 03:18 PM

Thanks Blobby1000 although it's not nice to hear I'm glad that you have been honest with me. The job is in the Private sector and I will be expected not only to manage a team of home carers but also a budget. Perhaps the dream needs to be on hold for the time being or other options explored. If you have any advise it would be gratefully received.

Regards
Rachel

**blobby1000** · 31-03-2012, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by MARYROSE02

I picked up a real estate guide in Penrith the other day and I see there are plenty of decent looking homes for under $400,000. I was very impressed with Penrith too.

Penrith is not Sydney.

And even if it was 400k 7% mortage, $28,000 a year in interest alone, thats $2300 a month, so that leave our OP with $1300 a month for food, bills, rates and trying to have a life (which she would not be able to have).

Im not saying dont come, Im saying dont let companies in Australia (and "positive people regardless of everything" on here) sell you the Australian dream on 60k a year cos it aint gonna happen and you will find an alternative who will make you do less work for a lot more money