Pommyaussie

Hi Andy cheers for that - its a private pension from a company I used to work for in the UK it's not much - about $6 k a year but I wasn't sure why I have been told I can receive this annual payment at age 55 when over here in Aus you apparently can't draw it out until 60 Is that right? This is also complicated by the fact I'm now on a small disability pension ( because my other half works the disability pension is minimal) so I presume the disability pension will be reduced by the amount I receive in pension payments - if I can draw on it that is?

Hi please can someone shed some light on how final salary pensions work in terms of transferring from UK to Aus? I have been sent some pension info regarding a final salary scheme and various options for me to choose from i.e. lump sum or annual amount or mixture of both. Im still not sure which option to choose however one question I have - apparently I can draw an annual amount at age 55 - my question is if I decide on this option - I believe this would have to be transferred to an Australian QROPS to access it? Can I still obtain this annual amount from age 55 as I believe you can't access anything until age 60 in Aus?

Rarely is life black or white so even pro choice have a right to agree or not depending on the circumstances. Whilst pro choice agree with a woman's right to choose, the largest majority would also think it should be for good reason. Going on BB is not good enough reason.

Ahh yep makes sense. thanks for that VS

I like that, but ( sorry Quoll couldn't resist) Yes country Vic deffo has it. Personally I think any accent adds flavour in whatever country. Can take it or leave it, it is what it is.

Do you think it's a regional thing Quoll? I notice it more in Melbourne than in Brisbane and funny enough some of the Italians in Melbourne seem to have a really pronounced way of speaking with this rising voice. Don't notice it so much with Lebanese mates in Melbourne but mainly the "kath and Kim" Aussies and Italian friends in Melbourne :laugh:

LOL aye...I'll go wi that:laugh:

Has it? Not sure if it's sensationalist clap trap? Nine news have started a riot reading the comments on there - the Aussies now think the Poms don't like them and it's all due to losing the cricket:wacko: Daft story...

If it's true - it just goes to show there are di*kheads the world over. Someone should be employed based on their skiils and their fit in the business and the team they will be working in. What the heck has an accent got to do with anything?:rolleyes: Bonkers:biglaugh:

You are correct Paul - when we looked into Canada it wasn't easy to get into and neither was Aus - they were equally as difficult. Luckily I had the choice and we chose Australia mainly for the climate and lifestyle and it ticked all our boxes.

Is that how 457 works these days I.e. company sponsorship and state sponsorship works hand in hand? OK if the two are exclusive then you are right - they should see if the skills are required in any specific state and apply that way maybe. Of course that doesn't mean they have a job to go to which is what some people prefer. Anyway, some great comments and food for thought which the poster should appreciate.

Agree - the 457 is dodgy not in the least as it is employer dependent - if the employer decides to suddenly finish them for whatever reason then they have 28 days to get out of Australia (unless this has changed?) which means they could be put on a plane back to Ireland at their own expense and no jobs in Ireland to return home to. I have heard of people who then subsequently unavoidably broke their lease on their rental and ended up also losing their bond. 457 visas can and do work - and have been invaluable to some - but at least if people know the pitfalls they can work out the pro's and cons and build this into their plans.

That's is why I asked the question K & C - if they can get a skilled visa under their own steam that would be preferable to a 457 visa (even though more lengthy / difficult to obtain) as at least they won't be dependant on an employer and also on a 457 there are other expensive considerations especially for children's schooling and health care etc.

That's one of the reasons why we chose Aus but it was good to keep our options open just in case.

Good idea. When we looked at moving we assessed the various countries we fancied then chatted to a registered Migration Agent and assessed the best option for us. That way you find the best likelihood.

That's probably why Bobj didn't think it was amazing either he too knows it's just physics :wink:

Not amazing just common sense physics http://io9.com/5910150/the-physics-of-wine-bottle-opening

We've never gone back but it's not uncommon it's known as the $1,000 cure - sometimes going back to UK really helps make the final decision either way. We have a four sets of friends who went back and two returned back to Aus again realising it was for them after all. The other two consisted of one family who went back for family reasons and the other really prefers UK. No right no wrong just a matter of choice and what fits with each individual circumstance and family preference. From speaking with those who came back and what was different; they both said when they came first time it was a massive culture shock to them. The weather, work culture, people and missing family and friends in UK and the familiarity of everyday things you take for granted in your *home* country. However when they went back to UK they felt all the things they left for in the first place were still winding them up and nothing had changed. When they returned to Aus the second time round they knew what to expect and so it was easy to fit in and do what they wanted and strangely they said they felt they *belonged* and this time there was a familiarity as to what to expect which made them feel at home. Good luck with everything and whatever you decide.

Toaster almost every day Toasted sandwich press couple times a month - love it Onion chopper used almost every day Slow cooker once a month - love it Stick blender for soups - love it Pressure cooker - once a year if that (prefer slow cooker) Coffee machine - op shop - bought a few all failures re taste Apart from the coffee machine and Pressure cooker I love all my other gadgets.

We've tried various machines all have ended up in the Op shop. Reverted back to the simple coffee pot with a good coffee usually on special.

The series has been re-run several times and like you say it's fascinating to watch the changes and what has happened to them all during their lifetime so far. I'm amazed and actually quite sad at how some have turned out, when you watch their aspirations as kids and how it pans out for them as adults - makes you realise how fragile life really is. I've seen it since 7up to the last which was 56up I believe. Great series like you say and defo worth watching.

Correct

Do you mean a 457 visa?

I love the colour contrast of the trees in that pic and never get tired of seeing the beautiful lorikeets

Hi Rachel do you know if you can get a visa? Reason I ask is until you get a visa everything else is academic really. Anyway to answer your question of has it been worth it; for us it has been as we love it, warts and all but don't get me wrong it's not been easy and for a few people it hasn't worked out - so really it's such an individual thing that you won't know until you try I guess. We expected Aus to be sort of familiar but for loads of reasons it was actually very different however we decided early on to embrace the differences rather than get upset by them wherever possible and that way we accepted and embraced our new life. Good luck with everything and hope it works out for you guys if that's what you want.