Peasbean

Thanks for clarifying that. Much the same as in this country then really, but I have researched job adverts quite a bit for the state sponsorship and there seems to be a fair few which i could go for that state you only need the relevant work visa to apply, not necessarily be a citizen. So fingers crossed there will be a position for me.

Thanks for the reply, will check out that website I didn't realise a permanent residency visa would suffice for a gov job, but that's encouraging as I guess with a state sponsored visa we will have that, useful as the government employ 40% of the canberra workforce! thanks again:biggrin:

Hi there, I don't now if anyone can help? We are hoping to move to Canberra this year and are just in the process of filling out our state sponsorship forms etc. All the research I have done in regards to cost of living only gives figures for 2011. I was wondering whether anything has changed this then? Like have food prices gone up? Rental costs etc? I'm not looking for a breakdown, just an overall indication would be great. Everyone has said how expensive it is compared to UK, but we are looking at it from a potential earnings side and trying not to compare with the UK, just can we afford this with our potential income over there. I don't know if that's the right approach to have? Also, as a side request my occupation under the visa application is Policy Analyst, does anyone have the same occupation or knows of that field out there at the moment? I am looking for jobs as a Policy Officer, knowing I cannot get a gov job unless I'm a citizen! There's only two of us and my other half is an I.T consultant. Again if anyone knows of the job situation for IT people at moment that would be great! Any advice anyone can give would be much appreciated! thanks!:biggrin: