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Cerberus1

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  1. Cerberus1
    As The Pom Queen said it was a while ago, but we used www.greensharecar.com.au
  2. Cerberus1
    I've placed a link to it in the menubar at the top of the page 'Timelines'
  3. Cerberus1
    If you satisfy special conditions that constitute the govt's view of ‘severe financial hardship’. - the trustee of your fund may give you access to a portion of your benefit, subject to certain conditions. In general terms, the rules relating to this are: You have been receiving Commonwealth Government income support, e.g. unemployment benefits, for at least 26 weeks, continuously, and the trustee of your super fund is satisfied that you can’t meet immediate reasonable family expenses. Any payment is for the purposes of meeting everyday living expenses and can be one payment of no more than $10,000 (including tax) in any 12-month period.
  4. Cerberus1
    Ahead of the official announcement next week, it has been revealed the the government plans to introduce a new Parent Visa scheme which would commence in November. Applicants would be able to apply for a 3 year visa at a cost of $5,000 AUD or a 5 year visa at a cost of $10,000 AUD. The 5 year visa would have the option to be renewed once for another $10,000 AUD. In addition to the sizable initial cost, visa holders would not be permitted to work and the healthcare costs of visa holder would have to be met by their children with the sponsors being legally required to pay for private health insurance cover for the parents. It is expected there would be a quota of 15,000 places a year for the new visa. By Robert Williams 05/05/2017
  5. Cerberus1
    By Robert Williams Email: admin[at]pomsinoz.com 04/05/2017 In a speech given at the McKell Institute, the Leader of the Opposition,Bill Shorten has vowed to ramp up the fees for controversial temporary work visas (such as the 457) in a bid to make sure Australian employers firstly seek to employ local workers before turning their attention overseas. At the same time, Bill Shorten also pledged to establish and implement a new visa to ensure Australia remains an attractive proposition for the 'best and brightest' talent. In the speech, Labor has promised not to ratify any trade deals that forgo labour market testing and they have also pledged to establish an independent labour market testing body that would restrict temporary workers’ visas to skills shortages. These announcements come less than a month after the Prime Minister announced plans to abolish the 457 visa in March 2018 and replace it with the new Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa in addition to slashing over 200 occupations from the list of eligble skilled occupations. "We’ll no longer let 457 visas be passports to jobs that could and should go to Australians”, commented the PM at the time. However, the Leader of the Opposition said the Federal Govt's changes were a "con job". “Malcolm Turnbull’s proposed changes to 457 visas are little more than a con job that barely make a difference,” “Under the Liberals, too many local workers are being left at the back of the queue for local jobs.” said Bill Shorten. Under the opposition's plan, the cost of a 2 year visa would sore from $575 AUD a year to approximately $1,600 AUD per year or $6,400 AUD for the 4 year visa. This change would represent an increase to 3% of the temporary skilled migration income threshold, with the additional funds raised being directed to a training fund. Describing the policy, Bill Shorten said “This is a strong price signal to employers that they should be looking for local workers first,” “Under Labor, putting local workers first won’t just be fairer – it will be cheaper.” Running along side this, Labor would roll out a new “Smart” visa for what it calls world leaders in science, medicine, academia, research and technology to ensure highly skilled migrants were still attracted to Australia. An Australian Skills Authority would have a remit for producing a single skills shortage occupations list and advise the government of the day on current skills shortages and future skills requirements.
  6. Cerberus1
    At the recent UK budget UK Pension Transfers to overseas destinations were again in the firing line. HMRC last made major changes in April 2015 and essentially because of these changes only people age 55 years and older can now transfer their private pensions to an Australian Superannuation Scheme with HMRC (Qualifying) Recognised Overseas Pension status (QROPS). From this time many UK expat Australian residents under age 55 have been exploring the option of transferring their UK Pensions to a QROPS scheme in a different country for example Malta or New Zealand however the announcement on budget night has essentially put stop to this being a viable option as HMRC announced a new 25% tax on transfers to overseas (QROPS) schemes with some exceptions. In addition to the new transfer tax being introduced there are a number of changes around how and when the pension money that has been transferred can be accessed and if withdrawals and or payments are made or taken from pension monies that have been transferred there may be tax charges/penalties levied by HMRC depending on how and when they are taken. Therefore the situation as things stand currently for UK Expats in Australia with regards to their UK Pensions is: Under age 55 There are no public offer schemes available in Australia with QROPS that can accept UK Pension Transfers in. Therefore if you do have a UK pension then leaving it in the UK until age 55 (currently) is typically your only option without being hit hard with UK taxes. However it may still be wise to consider reviewing your UK pension with an appropriate UK FCA regulated Adviser for some of the following reasons: • You have a defined benefit (aka final salary) scheme and wish to explore taking the lump sum offered and transferring it in a personal pension (currently transfer values are historically high for these type of schemes); • You wish to ensure that your money is invested in an appropriate risk profile you should ensure it is working as hard for you as it can within your desired risk level (you may be too aggressively invested or to cautiously invested for your situation). • You wish to be invested in a pension that allows you to invest in multiple currency options particularly Australian Dollars (currently sterling is weak against the Australian Dollar from a historical point of view however this may change going forward, if the change is in favour of sterling you may wish to have your monies converted to Australian Dollars at that point to then protect against future currency risk). Over age 55 It is possible to transfer a UK Pension to an Australian QROPS for someone who is over age 55. This is possible by way of arranging a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) and having it made QROPS compliant or by using a public offer Super Fund which is a QROPS (which option suits will be based on numerous individual factors). A pension transfer to an Australian QROPS for someone that is resident in Australia is an exemption under the new 25% tax charge as follows: • Transfers to QROPS requested on or after 9 March 2017 will be taxed at a rate of 25% unless at least one of the following apply: o both the individual and the QROPS are in the same country after the transfer However note that if a person who does transfer to an Australian QROPS ceases being an Australian resident within 5 full UK tax years of the transfer being received then the tax charge can be levied. It may or may not be advisable to transfer a UK Pension to Australia as again it will depend on a number of individual factors) however financial advice is recommended to ensure A) it is advisable to move out of your current scheme and B) to navigate the complexities of a transfer (if of course a transfer is advisable) By Andrew Williams Financial Adviser (FPA Member AFP ®) Director - Vista Financial Services Authorised Representative No. 322874 Professional Investment Services Pty Ltd ABN 11 074 608 558 Australian Financial Services Licence No. 234951
  7. Cerberus1
    By Robert Williams 03/05/2017 Email admin[at]pomsinoz.com Immigration South Australia holds monthly information Sessions to help new arrivals settle in South Australia. The sessions cover important issues such as: Lifestyle and work opportunities in regional South Australia Employment assistance – details of service providers able to assist you to gain employment in South Australia Starting your own business Your responsibilities as a state nominated visa holder Pathways to permanency for provisional visa subclasses 495, 475, 487 and 489. Presenters from a variety of agencies are available to answer your questions after each session. Information Sessions are held monthly at the Theatrette, Ground Floor, 55 Currie Street, Adelaide from 13:30 until 15:00 The next sessions take place on the 17th May 2017 and the 14th June 2017. Registration (via the Immigration South Australia website) is required to attend.
  8. Cerberus1
    By Robert Williams 03/05/2017 Email admin[at]pomsinoz.com The Australian High Court has today ruled that the Federal Government continues to have the power to detain people brought to Australia from offshore detention for medical and other reasons. In 2013, two Iranians (a mother and her daughter) landed at Christmas Island (an Australian external territory located approximately 1,500 km from the Australian mainland). They were taken from Christmas Island to Nauru, where the Australian govt operates the Nauru detention centre - an off-shore processing facility. The High Court challenge was brought by the mother and daughter who came to Australia for medical treatment in 2014. Lawyers argued that under the constitution the Govt's detention powers extended only to those seeking entry with a visa or in the process of being expelled or deported. The High Court was told none of the criteria applied to the women, because they were not entitled to seek a visa, because of their detention offshore, nor were they in the process of being deported. The court was told the women had not been detained for a legitimate non-punitive purpose. But the Government urged the court to throw out the entire challenge, saying its powers were valid. The court agreed, finding the detention was for a lawful purpose, namely their eventual removal from Australia. Both have been allowed to live outside detention since late 2016.
  9. Cerberus1
    By Robert Williams 03/05/2017 Email admin[at]pomsinoz.com India’s Prime Minister has voiced his reservations to the Australian PM about the Government’s recent decision to phase out and replace the 457 visa next year. India was perturbed by the Federal Govt’s announcement last month that the popular 457 visa would be stopped in 2018 and replaced and replaced with the completely new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa which will assist businesses in addressing bona fide skill shortages. The TSS Visa is a four year visa is your occupation is on the Medium and Long term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL) or two years is your occupation isn't on the MLTSSL The Australian PM described the changes as being “in the national interest”. At present, Indian nationals make up a quarter of 457 visa holders - the most of any nationality. India had hinted the move to replace it could affect trade negotiations, which the two countries had only just pledged to revive during Mr Turnbull’s recent India visit in early April. Now, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Mr Modi himself has “expressed concern” to Mr Turnbull about the possible impact of visa changes. In response to the announced Visa changes, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a terse statement, saying that it was “examining the consequences” of the new policy, adding that it would look at the matter “in the context” of trade negotiations. Elsewhere, Anisha Gupta, an Indian migration has suggested that Visa changes will damage Australia’s longer-term ability to attract both skilled workers and students with an eye to their futures. “I’m receiving a lot of calls from the applicants, as well as the people who have already applied for the visa — how will that affect them?” she said. (Current visa holders will not be affected by the changes, which will see the introduction of two new temporary skills visas — a two-year visa and a more specialised one for four years “targeted at higher skills”.) Ms Gupta warns changing the visa system will likely hurt Australian universities’ efforts to attract Indian students, especially those seeking degrees in the 200 professions the Government is removing from the list of those eligible for skilled worker visas. That would affect the students if they think their occupations are out of the list, so they might choose another country which has a more favourable immigration policy for them,” she said.
  10. Cerberus1
    By John Kinghorn from Moneycorp Moving to Australia is a big decision. And no doubt you will want to start your new life with as much money as possible. One of the main factors affecting the amount of money you actually start out with is how you choose to exchange your pounds into Australian dollars (or pounds into dollars if sending money back home to the UK). That’s where moneycorp can assist - below are some top tips to help you get the most for your money. Using your bank? Many people leave their foreign exchange in the hands of their bank. Most are unaware that there are other options available to save money. Banks typically won’t offer you as competitive an exchange rate compared with what moneycorp can offer you. The difference in the rate can be up to 4%, meaning you get more Australian dollars for your pounds. Personal service Using a currency specialist company means you can transfer money overseas with the help of your own Account Manager. They will help you transfer money at the right time, in the right way – for example, when rates are more favourable. Your dealer will work closely with you to manage your currency risks. Plan ahead The longer you have to arrange your currency transfer, the more flexibility you will have to ensure you get the best deal and exchange rate. Special offer for forum members No transfer fees if you register through Poms in Oz – banks can charge up to £40 every time you send money overseas therefore you can save money on fees alone. Next steps Interested in saving money on your overseas currency transfers? Well, it is free and there is no obligation to register for a moneycorp account. Once registered, you will have an Account Manager who can provide live quotes as and when you need them, plus they will go through your requirements in detail. They will also provide information and guidance on the Pound/Australian dollar exchange rate Register with moneycorp by clicking here. Make an enquiry or ask a question by clicking here.
  11. Cerberus1
    nab account can be set up up-to 12 months before departure https://www.nationalaustraliabank.com/nabglobal/en/banking/migrant-banking
  12. Cerberus1
    Markets at Edge Hill 2017 dates April 30 May 28 June 25 (Body, Mind and Soul) July 30 August - no market September 24 October 29 November 26 Markets on the Esplanade Every week on Saturday from 8am to 4pm (until Wet Season I think)
  13. Cerberus1
    Have you posted on @Iron Chef's thread at he should be able to answer any queries you have.
  14. Cerberus1
    This evening's offering (unlike @Bobj I don't do mornings ) Lockyer Valley, from our house
  15. Cerberus1
    CommSec have just released it's latest quarterly 'State of the States' report. The April 2017 economic performance report is below. How are Australia’s states and territories performing? Each quarter CommSec attempts to find out by analysing eight key indicators: economic growth; retail spending; equipment investment; unemployment; construction work done; population growth; housing finance and dwelling commencements. Just as the Reserve Bank uses long-term averages to determine the level of “normal” interest rates; we have done the same with the economic indicators. For each state and territory, latest readings for the key indicators were compared with decade averages – that is, against the “normal” performance. The latest State of the States report also includes a section comparing annual growth rates for the eight key indicators across the states and territories as well as Australia as a whole. This enables another point of comparison – in terms of economic momentum. NSW REMAINS ON TOP; ACT LIFTS TO 2ND How are Australia’s states and territories performing? For each state and territory, latest readings for the key indicators were compared with decade averages – that is, against the ‘normal’ performance. The State of the States report also includes a section comparing annual growth rates for the eight key indicators across the states and territories as well as Australia as a whole. This enables another point of comparison – in terms of economic momentum. The latest data indicates a multi-speed national economy. NSW is solidly on top with little to separate ACT and Victoria. Then there is a gap to Tasmania, Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia then another gap to Western Australia NSW has solidly held the position as the best performing economy, at or near the top on all indicators. The ACT has moved into second spot, improving its relative position on five of the eight indicators. Victoria has eased to third spot on the economic performance rankings but there is little to separate the state from the ACT. Tasmania remains in fourth spot just ahead of Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia. The rankings haven’t changed in the last quarter. Western Australia continues to lag other economies and annual growth rates remain below national averages on all indicators. State & Territory breakdown 1. New South Wales Strength: Dwelling starts Weakness: Housing Finance Insights into NSW NSW has retained its top rankings on business investment, retail trade and dwelling starts. NSW is in second spot on unemployment, construction work and economic growth. NSW is in third spot on housing finance and unemployment. 2. ACT Strength: Housing Finance Weakness: Construction Work Insights into ACT The ACT has lifted to second spot and is now top-ranked on housing finance. The Territory is second on two indicators and third on another three. 3. Victoria Strength: Population Growth Weakness: Unemployment Insights into Victoria Victoria is in third spot, easing in its relative position on business investment and housing finance. Victoria leads on population growth. 4. Tasmania Strength: Population Growth Weakness: Economic Growth Insights into TAS Tasmania holds its position in fourth spot but there is little to separate it from Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia. Tasmania is now in second spot for unemployment. 5. Queensland Strength: Retail Trade Weakness: Unemployment Insights into QLD Queensland remains in fifth position on the economic performance rankings. Queensland is benefitting from strong export growth which will boost overall growth of Gross State Product (economic growth). Exports are growing at a 43 per cent annual rate. 6. Northern Territory Strength: Unemployment Weakness: Population Growth Insights into NT The Northern Territory remains in sixth position on the economic performance rankings. The Territory is still ranked first on construction work done and unemployment and now also top-ranked on economic growth. But on forward-looking indicators like population growth, housing finance and home starts the Territory lags other economies. 7. South Australia Strength: Business Investment Weakness: Unemployment Insights into South Australia The South Australian economy is in seventh position. South Australia is middle-ranked on business investment and fifth-ranked on dwelling starts. 8. Western Australia Strength: Retail Trade Weakness: Unemployment Insights into WA The economic performance of Western Australia continues to reflect the ending of the mining construction boom. But unemployment has eased over the last three months. Summary NSW has retained its top rankings on business investment, retail trade and dwelling starts. NSW is in second spot on unemployment, construction work and economic growth. NSW is in third spot on housing finance and unemployment. The ACT has lifted to second spot and is now top-ranked on housing finance. The Territory is second on two indicators and third on another three. Victoria is in third spot, easing in its relative position on business investment and housing finance. Victoria leads on population growth. There is little to separate other economies and there have been no changes in rankings. Tasmania holds its position in fourth spot but there is little to separate it from Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia. Tasmania is now in second spot for unemployment. Queensland remains in fifth position on the economic performance rankings. Queensland is benefitting from strong export growth which will boost overall growth of Gross State Product (economic growth). Exports are growing at a 43 per cent annual rate. The Northern Territory remains in sixth position on the economic performance rankings. The Territory is still ranked first on construction work done and unemployment and is now also top-ranked on economic growth. But on forward-looking indicators like population growth, housing finance and home starts, the Territory lags other economies. The South Australian economy is in seventh position. South Australia is middle-ranked on business investment and fifth-ranked on dwelling starts. The economic performance of Western Australia continues to reflect the ending of the mining construction boom. But unemployment has eased over the past 3 months. The Full Report can be downloaded here - Source: https://www.commsec.com.au/stateofstates
  16. Cerberus1
    You can message George through his profile page: https://www.pomsinoz.com/profile/214879-george-lombard/
  17. Cerberus1
    Coverage is the issue, if you're regional you've no chance. You can check coverage at http://www.digitalradioplus.com.au/can-i-get-digital-radio
  18. Cerberus1
    Source: https://www.border.gov.au/about/contact/offices-locations/cyprus CYPRUS (TURKISH OCCUPIED AREAS) Additional information Relevant document: ‘Police Clearance’ (Form P.19). Residents: Apply in person at your local police station. Non-residents: Apply in person at an overseas representative office of the ’Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus‘, or at a Republic of Turkey overseas mission. Provide (citizens and non-citizens): application form with full name, full names of parents, date and place of birth, passport number and place of issue, ID card number, current and permanent addresses, occupation, army number, two recent passport size photos attested by a certifying officer (muktar), and reason for the request. You will need a letter from the Department requesting that a police certificate be issued by the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ police authorities. The application form is available from the local police office or from a Republic of Turkey overseas mission. Fee: payable. Cyprus, Republic Of Website http://www.police.gov.cy Additional information Relevant document: ‘Police Clearance’. Residents: Apply in person at your local police station. Non-residents: Apply by post to Police Headquarters in Nicosia, Cyprus or at a Republic of Cyprus overseas mission. Citizens to provide: application form (available on the website below) passport number and place of issue Republic of Cyprus ID card number current and permanent address, reason for request two current passport size photos which have been certified by an authorised person. Non-citizens to provide: the documents listed above for ‘Citizens’, and a copy of your passport (and, if possible, the passport you held while living in Cyprus) a copy of your permit of stay in Cyprus, passport number and place of issue as well as the A.R.C number of the ‘Alien Book’’ or the ‘Temporary Residence’ slip or ‘M.P’ number stamped in the passport. Note: all applicants will need a letter from the Department advising that a Police Clearance Certificate is required from the Republic of Cyprus Police authorities. Fee: 17.09 Euros. However, you will need to confirm this with the Republic of Cyprus Police Authorities. The fee can be paid at a Cyprus Embassy, which issues receipt F18, or by sending a cheque (the payee is the Chief of Police), or bank wire (credit) transfer to: The Central Bank of Cyprus (the beneficiary is the Chief of Police) SWIFT CODE CBCYCY2NFBU Government General Account, account number CY 16001000010000000006001010 You will need to pay in Euros and include the receipt for the fee with your application form.
  19. Cerberus1
    So get adblock to issue an update, it really is that simple. IPB is probably the largest forum software company in the world, so you'd think that adblock would be able to block any ads - they're being served in the most basic way possible, there's nothing complicated about it and there's not really anything else to be said on the matter, if adblock isn't doing it's job for you, take it up with them.
  20. Cerberus1
    Won't help, they're not PPC
  21. Cerberus1
    I didn't write the adblock software and I didn't write invision powerboard (the forum software), so again, if you don't want to see any ad's, you'll need to contact the adblock developer. The website has always had ads on, without them, there wouldn't be a website. Members are more than welcome to use whatever adblockers they wish - unlike some websites, we don't attempt to detect adblocking software and prevent access to content or display reminders about how ads help keep the site running. However, neither can we provide software support for products that are unrelated to the website.
  22. Cerberus1
    Don't know, that's a question for whoever created your adblock software
  23. Cerberus1
    I remember the aircon breaking down in the britz campervan while in Darwin for a couple of weeks while eldest did his work experience at the Naval base there. Couldn't tolerate it at all, had to wake the manager up late at night on the campsite and book a cabin with aircon. The heat and humidity was overwhelming.
  24. Cerberus1
    Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she hopes regional hospitals will not suffer from the Federal Government's changes to the 457 visa system. Speaking at the opening of the new Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Ms Palaszczuk said although she preferred locals to fill jobs, many regional health districts relied on foreign doctors. She accused the Federal Government of failing to fund training places for local medical students. "What we are seeing from the Federal Government is saying one thing and doing the opposite," Ms Palaszczuk said. "What we do know is that especially with health in parts of rural and regional Queensland, it is very important that we still allow some of those specialised visas for people to come and work in those communities. "If they want to scrap 457 visas without showing us the detail of the policy, they had better make it very clear why they are not giving us the training places.... Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-19/annastacia-palaszczuk-fears-hospital-shortages-from-457-changes/8453790
  25. Cerberus1
    Abolition and replacement of the 457 visa – Government reforms to employer sponsored skilled migration visas On 18 April 2017, the Government announced that the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457 visa) will be abolished and replaced with the completely new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in March 2018. The TSS visa programme will be comprised of a Short-Term stream of up to two years and a Medium-Term stream of up to four years and will support businesses in addressing genuine skill shortages in their workforce and will contain a number of safeguards which prioritise Australian workers. This new visa is part of the Government’s significant reform package to strengthen the integrity and quality of Australia’s temporary and permanent employer sponsored skilled migration programmes. Key reforms include: Introducing the temporary skill shortage visa with new requirements, including but not limited to: new, more targeted occupation lists which better align with skill needs in the Australian labour market a requirement for visa applicants to have at least two years’ work experience in their skilled occupation a minimum market salary rate which ensures that overseas workers cannot be engaged to undercut Australian workers mandatory labour market testing, unless an international obligation applies, capacity for only one onshore visa renewal under the Short-Term stream capacity for visa renewal onshore and a permanent residence pathway after three years under the Medium-Term stream the permanent residence eligibility period will be extended from two to three years a non-discriminatory workforce test to ensure employers are not actively discriminating against Australian workers strengthened requirement for employers to contribute to training Australian workers the Department of Immigration and Border Protection will collect Tax File Numbers and data will be matched with the Australian Tax Office’s records, and mandatory penal clearance certificates to be provided. Tightening eligibility requirements for employer sponsored permanent skilled visas, including but not limited to: tightened English language requirements a requirement for visa applicants to have at least three years’ work experience applicants must be under the maximum age requirement of 45 at the time of application strengthened requirement for employers to contribute to training Australian workers, and employers must pay the Australian market salary rate and meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold1. Concessions for regional Australia will continue to be available: Employers in regional Australia will continue to have access to occupations under the temporary and permanent visas, to reflect their skills needs. Existing permanent visa concessions for regional Australia, such as waiving the nomination fee and providing age exemptions for certain occupations, will be retained. Consideration will be given to expanding the occupations in regional Australia that are exempt from the age requirement. Significantly condensing the occupation lists used for skilled migration visas, including the subclass 457 visa, from 19 April 2017. The implementation of these reforms will begin immediately and will be completed in March 2018. Further information on different aspects of the reforms will be published in due course. Source: DIBP Reproduced under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence.
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