MacGyver

On 10/02/2021 at 17:25, Jess B said:

Hello everyone,

Both me and my partner are hoping to move back over to Australia, after living over there for a couple of years but unfortunately had to come back home approx 4 years ago.

Does anyone recommend a particular migration agent to help us with the process? We are based in the North East of England, although I know at this moment in time everything is being done online anyway. I have had a look online for recommendations but thought this is probably the best place to ask.

Any information would be really really helpful...thanks in advance, Jess

Raul Senise (above), Paul Hand and wrussell are migration agents. They all post on here regularly and have a long track record of success stories on PomsInOz. I would personally make contact with one or more of those individuals to seek initial advice, get advice and a quote, and see who you click with.

The rental market is crazy in Perth at the moment so I would follow Marissa's advice and book an Airbnb that allows pets for at least 1 month, to give plenty of time to search around. A year ago the Perth market was really flat and you could take your pick of houses and negotiate prices down, but due to covid its gone the other way and landlords can be very fussy about tenants.

Having said that, we moved rentals within the last few months, with a dog and we haven't had too many issues with finding rental properties (then again we only apply for those that say "pets considered/pets allowed" on the ads). A lot of it is about how you present your application, giving evidence of ability to pay, providing all the docs they want and we always put a one page letter with our application explaining who we are, where we work, we're boring so they don't need to worry about parties, we'll be respectful of the property etc etc. You'll also have to pay a pet bond and I can't remember the exact amount but I think it's a maximum of about $260. We also offered several months rental up front in the past and the real estate agent told us they weren't legally able to accept that, so I'd be wary of anyone asking for that sort of payment. A standard 2 weeks rent up front plus 4 weeks rent as bond plus pet bond is all you should ever pay.

Best thing to do is go on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au and search in your favoured areas, within your price range, and be prepared to compromise on cost or area or size. If it isnt mentioned on the ad, send an enquiry and ask if they allow pets and most agents will let you know within a day, so at least you dont waste your time applying for a house that isnt suitable. Some don't allow pets, some allow only dogs, some allow only cats, some say pets allowed but dont really want them so choose someone without pets so always check with the agents listed on the ads.  Nobody will rent a house to you unless you (or someone on your behalf) views it first, which is better anyway as some areas look good on paper but when you go to a viewing you realise it might not suit you after all. So for now, keep researching, book temporary accommodaiton for your arrival and then prepare yourself to go to a LOT of viewings and apply to multiple properties for the first few weeks after arrival.

12 hours ago, llessur said:

Just to add to the above - the tram is free within the CBD so if you're not venturing into the suburbs or heading to the beach at Glenelg etc then just jump on. If you head outside of the free zone then there will be an announcement to validate your pass/ticket. Also, it wasn't very widely advertised but tap and pay with a credit/debit card has been active on all trams since last September - I presume it will be rolled out to buses and trains soon too.

As per NicF's post, North Terrace is good for a stroll with most of the museums, galleries etc located there as well as the Botanic Garden etc. However, Adelaide Fringe runs from 19 February - 21 March 2021 so you'll have a huge number of possibilities if you're coming next week - the city should be alive every day and you can head to the Garden of Unearthly Delights, Gluttony, outdoor dining on Rundle Street etc. Maybe check out the Fringe website and book tickets to a couple of shows!

Other than that, the River is always nice for a stroll - especially between the Oval and the Zoo. The Zoo's fun too and if you find yourself on your own it might be a nice escape for a few hours.

As for restaurants and bars etc, there's lots to explore - some info is on this thread I created a while back but I have neglected to maintain it lately.

As for pubs, if you like craft beer etc I'd also highly recommend checking out the Wheaty in Thebarton - only a 5 or 10 minute tram ride from North Terrace (still in the free zone): http://wheatsheafhotel.com.au/. For a drink on the riverfront with views of the Oval you can't beat the Malt Shovel: https://maltshoveltaphouse.com.au/agegate/. Bar-wise, Hains & Co on Gilbert Place is nice: https://www.hainsco.com.au/ as is NOLA on Varden Ave: http://www.nolaadelaide.com/. If you like gin you should head to the Howling Owl: http://www.thehowlingowl.com.au/. For great rooftop views over the city there's 2KW on King William Street (https://2kwbar.com.au/) and also a new rooftop bar on the shiny new casino building behind the railway station (https://skycityadelaide.com.au/eat-and-drink/sol-bar-and-restaurant/). If you like craft breweries and you've got time to go slightly further afield then you can try the new Pirate Life brewery at Port Adelaide or out to Little Bang in Stepney. Both might be easier via an Uber though.

This is amazing and very helpful- thanks for taking the time to respond in so much detail 

4 minutes ago, NicF said:

1. We use an app called mySA GOV to scan QR codes.  You don't need a mySA GOV account to use it - I only downloaded it myself when they introduced the QR codes thing.  IF you don't want to download the app you can just sign in on paper at most places.

2. You will need a metrocard to travel on public transport.  There are various visitor passes you can get.  Details of the card and where to buy can be found here => https://adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets-Fares/metroCARD

3.  I'm the worst possible person to advise on what to see as I don't really do that much, but the Botanic Gardens, Museum, and Art Gallery on North Terrace are all worth a look.  There is a migration museum on North Terrace as well that I've never been to and apparently the State Library is quite interesting, but again I've never been in.

Thanks NicF

My partner has been asked to attend Adealide for a training course at the last minute (course is next week and in the CBD), with work providng her flights and accommodaiton. We decided to turn it into the first interstate trip (From Perth) in over a year and will have 4 days in Adelaide. We have already completed the SA cross border travel applicaiton and had this approved. Just wanted to ask a few basic questions:

1. In WA we have the SafeWA app and have to scan QR codes on entry into every shop/building/venue. Is there anything similar in SA at the moment and is there an app I should get for this?

2. Is a travel card required for public transprot in Adelaide or can I tap to pay with my phone on buses, trains, trams etc (Sydney allows tap to pay, in WA you need the actual smartrider travel card)?

3. Any recommendations for things I should see while wandering aimlessly during the day on my own? Equally, any nice restaurants/bars we should explore at night, mid-week?

Surprisingly excited to be going on a city break after a year of only being able to explore WA

thanks

2 hours ago, Paul1Perth said:

I love it down South. Busselton and Margaret River would be a great place to settle and raise a family. Denmark, Albany, Esperance all nice.

I think Busselton has a pretty big hospital and it's a rapidly growing area. I think after covid has died down the South West will be even more popular, I've seen lots of reports about people from big Eastern State cities enquiring about property in those areas.

I agree with your comments about the Kimberley. You wouldn't want to move for a better lifestyle and end up somewhere like that. Avoid the mining towns too, Kalgoorlie is not my cup of tea.

I agree with this, I feel that the South West is very much the future of WA. Perth will obviously remain the primary destination and a beautiful growing city, but the South West (for better or worse) will see significant growth over the next decade as it expands its infrastructure, enhances its tourism industry (which is already really good) and as the MArgaret River Airport (in Busselton) opens up to eastern states. Direct flights from Melbourne were supposed to start last year I think, but were delayed due to Covid chaos and impact on tourism etc.

1 hour ago, Tulip1 said:

The initial fee is low (a few grand) so it’s probably worth getting in the queue anyway. If it goes wrong it’s not a huge loss. That’s actually what I did.  I had/have no wild desire to move to Australia but knowing my kids were there I thought I’d one day perhaps feel different. I decided to join the queue and make a decision when the time came to either pay the high fee or pull out. I thought I was more likely to stick with it which I am going to do because I don’t need to move out straight away, I can still spend some years deciding when. 

I didn’t know the fee was paid in instalments for this visa, which is very good to know. I’ve only just started reading about it today but thought it was $47k straight off the bat!

24 minutes ago, paulhand said:

This sounds like a pragmatic solution in your circumstances. If she is in the parent queue you should be able to get a long term visitor visa that allows a maximum of 12 months stay in any 18 ... 

Thanks paul that’s good to know. I may contact you in the near future for a (paid) in depth discussion, once we’ve held more conversations with her.

1 hour ago, Marisawright said:

That seems like a sensible solution, although how old would she be by then?  A shame to invest in a parent visa and then find she's not up to the long journeys any more by that time.

She would only be in her early 70s by that time. 70 is the new 50 so she should be fine (hopefully).

1 minute ago, Toots said:

Have you met your partner's mother?  Just wondering why the news of her maybe coming to Australia for 6 months every year is devastating.    PIO member Quoll's parents came for 6 months at a time I believe  .....................  they had their own granny flat though.  

Hi Toots, I just posted at exactly the same time as you. Yes we’ve have her stay with us for a month each year and she’s lovely. We think a granny flat would be a good solution but wanted to consider the best short and long term visa strategy 

34 minutes ago, ramot said:

Some of us are lovely!? Not sure I would want to live in my SIL’s pocket for 6 months, possibly not fair to anyone? You should both have your own space somehow to keep  sane.Can’t help with visa, but might consider setting up a counseling service for a fee.

 

We would be happy to have her, she’s a lovely lady. We are thinking a granny flat so everyone can have some privacy might be a good solution. Early stages of discussion and planning at the moment.

1 hour ago, Marisawright said:

If you go for a parent visa, she would eventually be able to stay all year round...

One step at a time marissa 

We did actually wonder if tourist visas were a good short term option, with a parent visa (contributory offshore parent visa??) processing in the background for the next 10 years. I imagine we’ll have a chat to one of the agents on here but just getting a rough idea for now 

Hi,

Today we awoke to the devastating news that my partners mother may be able to take early retirement in the next few years and she is interested in spending 6 months each year with us in Australia.

She is a US citizen and has one daughter in the US and one in Australia (my partner). Would we be correct in thinking the best way for her to spend 6 months visiting each year would be to apply for Tourist visa 600 as opposed to a more expensive and complicated parent visa, or making use of 2x ETAs each year with a necessary short trip out the country to renew this after 3 months?

This is all post Covid considerations (a couple of years time) so not too concerned with current tourist visa restrictions.

If she went down the 600 visa route each year, is she able to do this every year, essentially forever, as long as she meets the visa requirements (health, finance etc), or is there a limitation to how many times she can pursue a 6 month visit this way?

Final question, does anyone know of any good support groups/counselling to cope with living with your mother in law for 6 months every year, forever?

24 minutes ago, llessur said:

Likewise. The public health system here is excellent and in the last 10 years of being here neither my partner or I have regretted not taking out insurance. We have ambulance cover and put aside some savings in a health fund each month but other than that we're going it alone and are already thousands of dollars better off for it.

The way I see it is that if need to go to hospital in an emergency you'll be in a public hospital anyway. Other than arguably silly things like being able to decide your surgeon/obstetrician etc (as if I know them well enough to choose...) the only benefit I can see from private cover is getting quicker access to elective surgeries like knee and hip ops which are more likely to be required with age. In the years in between that's one hell of a lot of money going to an insurance company for something you might never need - seems a much better idea to put it in the bank.

I know lots of people who bang on about all the 'free' stuff they're getting from their extras cover like some money off of glasses, a bit of physio or remedial massage etc but seemingly forgetting they're paying a grand a year in extras premiums to start off with. I'd need to access one hell of a lot of physio *every single year for the rest of my life* to make that remotely worthwhile.

Unless you're paying for a top tier policy to begin with, none of the expensive stuff like dental work appears to be covered for anything more than a token amount which would still leave you considerably out of pocket if you need a crown or something (plus, again, you've already been paying for the policy for the X years prior to needing it).

We had our two babies in the public system -  it was an excellent experience all round with private rooms, great medical staff and great follow-up for a couple of issues we had with one of them - and it didn't cost us a cent. We know various couples who have had their kids in the private system, had a similar experience (but maybe with some slightly nicer food and a choice of obstetrician - although I'm pretty sure that mid-labour my wife would have been happy with pretty much anyone in scrubs) and they still came out with a $2000 bill to pay at the end of it all despite paying thousands of dollars for coverage in the years prior. Plus, if the pregnancy is anything other than routine then you'll most likely be transferred to a public hospital anyway thus meaning all of your premiums to date for pregnancy cover will have been completely wasted.

I've had the odd ultrasound and x-ray since being out here and for the infrequency of this type of thing being needed (maybe once every 3-4 years) being a couple of hundred dollars out of pocket for the gap at the time seems like a bargain.

I'll continue to put money aside for knee ops and kid's braces in case they're needed in the future but if they're not then I'd be much happier passing that very substantial amount of money onto my kids than giving it to Bupa or similar.

I did a lot of research when I first moved to Australia many years ago and basically came to the same conclusion. For a long time I still felt like I "should" get insurance until I read an article about funding the public sector. Basically the idea was that many people get basic (crappy) private insurance only to avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge, meaning that their money goes into the pocket of private companies for an insurance product that is almost worthless. One can instead make a choice not to get private health insurance and instead choose to pay the additional MLS in order to fund public healthcare services for others who may need it. This appealed to me, so I do not have private health insurance, happily pay the MLS and pay a set amount per pay into a personal savings account (my health fund) for those times I may need more expensive healthcare in the future. There are downsides to this arrangement, but it feels the right balance for my current circumstances.

On 01/02/2021 at 19:09, Cots said:

We spent 2 years on the Gold Coast so would be returning there. We live in the Channel Island’s, a very small (minded)  place with limited opportunities and extremely high house prices. husband rrv runs out mid-August and the rest of the family is end September. We’ve got an estate agent coming Wednesday to value the house and ultimately it all falls on the house sale. 
 

I’ve checked flight and could book for June, July and August but need to see where we go with the house first. Perhaps by then the policy may be different for quarantine if we are considered a Green zone.

 

 

The quarantine rules will not change until the population is vaccinated in Australia, and even then it is unclear if it will change immediately. Current goal is for vaccination to be completed by October ish time, but wouldnt be surprised if it took longer, so plan for quarantine. Also if you intend to travel, I would book now. The media is full of stories of people struggling to get a flight 3-6 months after their original booking due to cancellations. If you wait until August to try and fly, it is likely flight delays will push you past the RRV date

The first time I moved to Australia I arrived with only two suitcases, the second time I moved to Australia I shipped all household items I owned. The main difference was the quality and value of the items I owned the second time, and the cost to replace them.

For me, the question was “it it cheaper to ship the items thAn to replace them?”. The first time the answer was no, so I sold up and moved with nothing (which is liberating but brings other hassles on arrival). The second time it was significantly cheaper to ship everything than to replace them on arrival, so we paid to ship it all. 

54 minutes ago, rtritudr said:

If you arrive in one of the travel bubble states, stay for 14 days and then travel to WA you will be treated the same as anyone else from that state.  If you travel to WA within 14 days you will be considered as an international arrival.

Thank you!

I can’t seem to find a specific answer to this question so wondered if anyone else knew. Most eastern states have quarantine free travel from New Zealand to Australia at the moment (not in the other direction), but WA does not. On the WA gov site it says NZ visitors arriving directly to WA will be considered international arrivals and will have to quarantine for 14 days (fair enough).

What are the current rules around NZ visitors that arrive to the east coast (quarantine free), into states that currently have quarantine free flights to WA? Would the G2G pass identify them and require 14 days quarantine, or is this currently permitted?

2 hours ago, Toots said:

Are you in Australia MacGyver?  I thought you were in Scotland.

We did return to Scotland Toots, but decided it wasn't where we wanted to be and are now back in Australia - I've joined the ranks of ping-pongers! For the last 12 months I have felt very fortunate and relieved we made the decision to return when we did, prior to all the craziness of Covid.

4 hours ago, Toots said:

An internal RBA document, made public on Friday, has predicted a 30 per cent growth in property prices over a period of three years if interest rates remain persistently low.

According to the RBA’s data mapping, a permanent 1 percentage point (100 basis point reduction) cut in the official rate could increase real housing prices by 30 per cent after about three years.

On the contrary, the RBA noted, if low rates are only temporary, house prices would rise by 10 per cent over the three-year period.

The official interest rate is currently at a record low of 0.1 per cent, following several cuts since mid-2019, with RBA governor Philip Lower noting on numerous occasions that the rate will not increase for “at least” three years.

12 months ago the predictions were that prices would fall by 30% and we were hesitating to buy, worried the market hadn't bottomed out yet. I dont know if this is a temporary spike due to covid stimulus, or a sign of things to come, but I trust the market this year about as much as I trusted it last year! Oh to have a crystal ball!

2 hours ago, palaceboy1 said:

143 visa swopped from 103 last year . Yes the heat can be a bit extreme 41c last Friday and lawn bowls can be hot as we joined Sorrento BC and play in pennant competition twice a week . 
 

41c days in Perth should be treated like -5c days in the UK. Stay indoors at home or go to the cinema or shopping centre for free aircon!

55 minutes ago, bicek said:

Ok thanks. I can see Heathrow has a drive through test centre for PCR but quite a hassle to go down there a couple of days before and then again for the flights! We are not local to that area at all. 

I am wondering if there will be any flex on the need for a test if we manage to have the vaccine by the time we get to flying, it is quite a few months away. But the kids will need the PCR test I suspect either way. It's so hard to know what the protocols will be in a few weeks let alone months. Will just have to keep an eye on how it develops. 

I hope you get on ok with your tests and flights - are you travelling soon?

There was a press conference recently and the Chief Health Officer of Australia (I think, could have been the health minister) discussed vaccinations more generally. They stated that there was currently no evidence that the vaccine prevents transmission to other people and there would therefore be no change to current Covid-safe practices until over 80% of the Australian population is vaccinated. The vaccine doesnt prevent infection, it significantly reduces the impact on individuals when they do get infected and transmission while infected may still happen (even when vaccinated). Given this, and the comments by the CHO, I would guess that there will be zero flexibility in the requirement for PCR tests prior to flying. 

9 hours ago, Freemantle said:

Actually when the borders come crashing down mid flights which is what is happening many colleagues are left in limbo/quarantine without prior notice. I am fully aware of the reasons behind quarantine thank you.... example a colleague flew Brisbane to Perth, Perth to Karratha, worked two days and was then recalled for quarantine! (shakes head!)

My earlier post had a typo, and said “with some excel”, but should have read “some exceptions “. What you describe would be those exceptions.

5 hours ago, Freemantle said:

Its not pleasant... hotels with "locked" windows are chronic... food arriving with the proverbial knock on the door isnt the best, fortunately I was able to drop off supplies of grog and good food so he had something to look forward to! "airless hotels are not the best for mind or body, fortunately the company paid for everything but for such a substantial amount   it could have been better!

 

Covid is not the best for mind and body either, which is why the hotel quarantine is so strict. Generally speaking, people in hotel quarantine have freely and willingly chosen to be there, having travelled in full knowledge that it is a requirement prior to departure (with some excel). It is undoubtedly an unpleasant experience, but absolutely necessary in the current climate.

11 minutes ago, davlap said:

If there are no more cases. If we get to double figures (or even less), watch this space !

If it is the more virulent strain there are surely going to be more, given the places visited.

If not, what does it mean? Will anybody listen any more (yes I know, might be eating those words in a day or two)

If there are no more cases everyone will be very relieved and no harm done by a 3 day lockdown. A better outcome than no lockdown and multiple new cases emerge, with tens or hundreds of new contacts and possible cases as a result.