p182

Yes and no really. Governments, employers and employees have used it as a de facto PR pathway, even if did say otherwise on the tin. Some of the more recent changes have been to address this. So while you technically, as everybody has been acting otherwise for a long time you can see why some people are disappointed when such changes are made.

This is good advice from Raul. The two lists I've found 457 and 186 list - http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities/skilled-occupations-lists/combined-stsol-mltssl 190 (and I think 189) list - https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L00850

I guess the other option is to explore employer sponsored routes, but of course that won't work for everybody

I think it has dropped off. I think this is the list occupations for the state sponsored visa you were referring to. If you can put the subclass number of the visa it would be easier to confirm: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017L00850

I moved to Canberra from the UK and lived there the last 8 years and had the best time of my life. The city has changed beyond imagination since I first arrived. in contrast to the Australian stereotypes of it being a quiet county town, there's a lot happening now. Great new bars and restaurants seem to be popping up everyone. Very high quality of life, I could recommend it more. Sadly though work has just taken me away to Melbourne, which I hope is at least half as good as Canberra. Good luck with the move.

Which list are you talking about? Statistician is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, and was upgraded to this list from the Short-term Skilled Occupation List on 1 July 2017. http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities/skilled-occupations-lists/combined-stsol-mltssl

Hey Jonord1, I'm from boro and I've been living in Canberra for four years now. I really love it here. Feel free to get in touch when you're over here, it'd be great to hear a boro accent (aside from my own)!

Also try Ramsay who are the biggest private hospital group in Australia: http://www.ramsayjobs.com.au/

I find public transport in the UK to be very good, especially the trains. It is such an extensive network. Good value too. One of the biggest things I miss living in Australia is having access to such good public transport. It cost me only £20 and took only 3 hours to take the train from Kings Cross to Newcastle when I was back last time.

But do you need a UK bank card with linked UK address too to buy mp3s on Amazon? I've tried using aussie bank card (not using proxy) and it doesn't work.

Although if you get sick whilst interstate you could still end up with a nasty bill. Ambulance cover is usually included with most private health insurance policies that provide hospital cover - but it is definitely worth checking with your insurer.

The amount spent on summer cooling (air conditioners) in such countries offsets what is saved on fuel during the winter. For health reasons older people need to keep cool in hot weather as their bodies are less able to cope with heat stress. This is because the body as it gets older is less able self-regulate temperature through natural cooling processes. Heat stress leads to cardiovascular and respitory problems along with a heap of other health side effects.

Whilst your student loan is usually deducted by payroll in the UK it is not deducted pre-tax. You pay your income tax and national insurance, and then your student loan payment is deducted after you have paid tax this tax.

Check out http://www.privatehealth.gov.au where you can compare every private health insurance policy. Make sure you compare the quality of coverage offered as well as price

Details on the LAFHA changes pasted from the treasurers website... "Fringe benefits tax (FBT) reform – Living-away-from-home allowance and benefits The Government will introduce reforms to stop individuals from being able to exploit the tax exemption for living-away-from-home allowance and benefits. This tax exemption is being increasingly misused by a narrow group of people, particularly highly-paid executives and foreign workers, at the expense of Australian taxpayers. Rorting of this tax exemption was one of the issues raised at the Tax Forum, and has seen the total amount of tax-free living-away-from-home allowance reported by employers to the Australian Taxation Office increase from $162 million in 2004-05 to $740 million in 2010-11. Under reforms announced today: access to the tax exemption for temporary residents will be limited to those who maintain a residence for their own use in Australia, which they are living away from for work purposes, such as 'fly-in fly-out' workers; and individuals will be required to substantiate their actual expenditure on accommodation and food beyond a statutory amount. No permanent resident legitimately using this tax exemption for accommodation and food expenses will lose any entitlements. These reforms will not affect other tax concessions, such as those that apply to travel and meal allowances, and remote area fringe benefits. The reforms will apply from 1 July 2012. This start date will enable the Government to undertake an extensive consultation process on these reforms, so appropriate transitional arrangements can be put in place, including in regional Australia. These changes will ensure that a level playing field exists between temporary residents and permanent residents, and that Australian taxpayers are not funding the unfair exploitation of concessions. This reform progresses recommendation 9© of the Australia's Future Tax System Review, and will provide savings of $683.3 million over the forward estimates." See here for further details: http://www.treasurer.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=pressreleases/2011/148.htm&pageID=003&min=wms&Year=&DocType=0