GazinOz

Even if it's in my contract that my service is recognised Proud Pom ? Gaz

Thanks Guys - yes it is a difficult one ! There's a bit of me thinks I'm 'chancing my arm' a little ... but then again I think well other folks who are peers got their LSL then so should I. I also think ... well I have given my life to the company for 10 years and never been given any recognition so why shouldn't I push for it. Good question RockDr on how much I want to irritate my employer ! It could be career suicide if I push really hard but then again the opportunities in Australia seem so much better than the UK and I'm less worried now that I'm permanent resident. Gaz

Here's an interesting one folks. If you can shed any light or point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated. I've been in Sydney for 2 years and just been given PR. I moved to Australia with my IT company who are a global / international organisation. I came over on a 'local' move ... ie not an assignment etc therefore have a 'local' contract of employment. It was an internal move but due to the complications of working for a large multinational I had to effectively resign from the UK and take up a new position in the Australian business. In doing this though I ensured that my service was recognised. My thoughts here were in particular if I was made reduntant I'd like my service to be recognised. For reference my contract was originally for 4 years as I came over on a 457 visa but recently it was ammended to remove the end date as the company was sponsoring me for PR. Anyway ... I believe I'm entitled to Long Service leave come October when I hit 10 years with the company. My rationale is (1) I'm a permanent Australian Resident (2) I have an Australian / NSW employment contract (3) I have in my contract that my continued service will be recognised on my move to Australia (4) My contract also states under LSL Section that it's in accordance with the applicable state law and lastly (5) at least 2 of my colleauges have been awarded 10 years LSL in the exact same position as me. I haven't came outright and asked yet but my HR guy recently told me that my LSL would only start from the day I started in Australia and that my continuous service would only be recognised for redundancy situations. I've called Fairwork Australia who couldn't answer me and pointed me to NSW Industrial Relations. They confirmed it was a grey area and had the opinion that the contract needed to start in NSW to be recognised however this isn't stated in the legislation. He then suggested I contact an employment lawyer as it would be more a contractual dispute rather than a legislation one. Can anyone shed any light on this one or indeed point me in the right direction of someone who could help. Many Thanks Gaz

Thanks CalnGary - Got my 1st wage without lafha - oouch it hurt. Looks like we'll need to downsize very soon. Still not landed on whether we move away from the hills close to ther beach though. G

Hi Folks I've been in Sydney hills district for a year and half now. Wife and I have decided to go for PR after our 2 years in January. Thing is I'll loose LAFHA as soon as I apply We have 3 kids so when we get PR it will mean we will save $13.5k in school fees, however we went for the big house with pool etc as LAFAH pays 40% of it. Our rent is $900 a week. Anyway as soon as we apply we loose LAFHA and will need to down scale our life a bit (House and big Car) My question is - Do we move away from the hills area and go up or down the coast to get a cheaper rental ( Eg $500-$600pw for a 4 bed ). I've always wanted to life near the beach. The compromise would be that I work in Eastern Creek / Rooty Hill area so would have a big drive from the coast and the kids would need to move school. Any ideas on good areas that are close to a beach and within 1.5 - 2 hours of Rooty Hill that rentals are cheap and we would have more of a beach life ? Cheers G