Tom Brody

I can't wait to be back in August just in time for the election when Rudd set's the new date. I find Australian politics more personal, quite aggressive and direct maybe because it's a lot smaller than here in UK in terms of seats and members I mean. Love it. It's the year of the Jesuit of course, Jesuit Pope, and Abbot was once a Jesuit seminary if I remember rightly. So who knows. When Labour kicked out Rudd last time the man publicly cried, showed his emotion. This time when he signed in with the Gov General, he looked like the Cat that caught the Cream. I always liked Rudd looking in from a public perspective, but I can't help thinking he really is a Power Mad Dictator as many in his own Party claim. He would have been better off letting Gillard fall on her sword in the election and then dump her saying "I did warn you" but I think his thirst for power took over and will ultimately be his undoing. He faces a near on impossible task to turn a 14% losing position around in the polls in just a few months. Many of my Queenslander friends call him a slime ball, (not my words) but from a Landslide Victory in 2007 to being Kicked Out by your Own in 2010, and now back in power again, Facts say something is wrong there somehow. I got no say in it all, but I'd suggest give Abbot a go and see what happens. If he screws up, the Australian public and Poli's will soon Out him. I just feel annoyed that all this is distracting from the success and need for running the Country and the Australian Economy well, especially at a dangerous time now with the China slowdown. It should be all eye's on the ball now not egotistic fighting for power between these "Blokes" Just an opinion of an Outsider looking in, who admires and loves the Country.

Thanks Luke, Yea I remember I always liked that Indooroopilly Mall, and used to call there a lot, and have a beer now and then in the Pig and Whistle or the bar next door, can't remember the name now. I liked it out in those areas you suggest, when I was there last there was a big development going on at Mount Ommaney Centre and it was great when finished and for sure the Indooroopilly one will be better as well. Cheers and thanks for the advice.

I'm after some opinions on where you all recommend to live around the Brisbane area. I'm soon heading back there to live having lived there a few years back. I was out South West Brisbane then in a place called Sinnamon Park and it was very nice. Just wondering if anyone has any shout outs for some other nice locations. Just me an my Fiance, no kids, no dogs, but like the outdoor life Australia offers and being around 20 minutes from the City sounds good. Your valued opinions greatly appreciated. :biggrin:

Anyone got any info or experience where I could rent a short term furnished rental around Brisbane, for say a month or two. What I mean is my Furniture and possessions are going to take around 11 weeks to get to Australia and I am looking for somewhere to rent for a few months while waiting for them to arrive. Just a one bed apartment would do.

Thanks for the great help so far everyone. I was just given a piece of good advice as well. The quote I originally had was showing Excluding VAT, which implied VAT to be added, but I was just told there is no VAT on shipping ? So that's interesting!!!

Thanks Snifter, they have quoted me on a sole 40ft container. There's no way I can afford £10K

Hello Guy's, Can anyone offer any help on Shipping of household goods and possessions down under? I'm in a real dilemma about it all. I have been given a quote that was a lot more than I expected it to be. Way too expensive. I have an accurate figure of the volume for Shipment and it's about 45 -50 Cubic Meters or in old money around 1600 cubic feet. Any companies recommended? Any idea's how I can reduce the cost down from the 10K quote I been given. I appreciate any advice you can throw my way.

I was wondering if anyone has any idea how long a Resident Return Visa takes to process through the London office. I qualify for the 3 month RRV only. I have filed an application and double checked to enclose above and beyond all the supportive evidence of my case for having a compelling and compassionate reason for last departing Australia? It states this on the website, [h=2]Visa Decision[/h]Your application will usually be processed straight away. If you are required to provide additional documentation, a decision will take longer. I was just wondering if anyone had any idea of what they deem to be "straight away" or any experience of this process. Thank you for any responses