peterc1983

I am contacting but they are my employer so I'm not sure how that works.

Thanks Andy, it's good to know it's not all that different. I won't be pension transferring; I have all my holdings in cash now and will just re-invest. Regarding what you said about using the company nominated fund; I'm contracting just now -- does that change anything with regards to this? I only ask because the company fund isn't mentioned on any of the paperwork.

So I used to consider myself quite knowledgable when it came to UK financial planning after 5 years at an IFA. But now that I live in Perth, and I now have to pick a super fund, I'm finding it quite difficult to know where to look for genuinely good advice and pointers. Back home I was used to thinking in terms of Unit Trusts, bonds, ISAs, SIPPs and Personal Pensions. For example, are there are any super funds like SIPPs; that invest using different types of wraps/products? Do we have a concept of multi-asset/multi-manager funds here, too - so that I can spread the risk? Maybe I'm trying to project too much of what I'm used to onto this, but I figured it must be roughly the same in areas? I'm only just starting as well, so of course my investment focus is different to someone about to retire. Any direction would be appreciated

Thanks for this, that was great to know I'm not losing the plot! Well, as luck would have it, Telstra called today to confirm the engineer appointment -- even though I'd called Belong last night and cancelled everything as I'd never be in to let this guy get access. He said on the phone he didn't need into the apartment and lo and behold when I came home the phone line appears to have a dial tone. So, I've asked Belong to reinstate the original order again and we'll see what happens. Whew! It was looking like I might have to get a dongle there, but the plans just suck for data allowance. No chance of Netflix on those!

Hi, Can someone clarify because I'm really not getting this. I just moved into a new rented apartment. As part of the landlord information sheet they left, they stated: "The landline number, if you wish to have it reconnected, is 08 xxx xxxxxx". So; if I'm trying to get broadband installed here -- am I supposed to give the company this telephone number as the one in use at this address? There is a phone here (it's furnished) but there is no dial tone. It's confusing me because I tried to order broadband from Belong, and they said that the previous tenants didn't have Telstra after I told them there was a phone line already hooked up and ready to be reconnected (I was hoping an engineer wouldn't need a home visit as I can't take any time off to sit in for the engineer). They said an engineer would need to come out, so I had to cancel the order. Can someone clarify for me what's the situation? Given the landlord has provided a telephone number -- does this actually have any bearing at all? I thought your number got passed around once it was disconnected in Australia. Thanks.

I found the reading was the part I needed practice with to ensure I was approaching the questions in the right manner. Everything else, for a native English speaker, I'd say will be pretty plain sailing.

Moving to Perth in 5 days Once I get settled in my temp. accommodation; it's job hunting for me!

I can fully confirm this; Moneycorp have been amazing for me sending cash over to my NAB account to get me setup for when I arrive. I touch-down in 5 days and NAB have booked me in for the day after I land to get my bank cards and stuff. All very very smooth sailing -- and using the Moneycorp offer I've saved myself a chunk on fees for the multiple transfers I've made.

I'm migrating to Perth in 5 days, and I've just looked into this topic too -- wanting to get the best mobile contract. Personally, I'll want more data than anything. I noted two that seem good: https://www.aldimobile.com.au/plans/valuepacks https://yatango.com.au/mobile/pricing/personalised Yatango lets you pick what you need most from a set of sliders; and the ALDImobile bundle seems the best rounded from what I can see.

Thanks, they have a few bottles they call piccolo that I could see. In the end I found a site called halfbottles.com.au that seem to do the trick .. I've emailed to confirm if they allow payments internationally. Thanks again.

Hi, I'm trying to source some local (WA) wines that I can send to my family who are already in Perth. I was hoping for something like a hamper/crate of wine; but since I won't know which they'd like, I'd prefer to get little mini bottles if possible. I've found loads of wineries that offer crates, but these are always for full-size bottles. I don't want to go the route of a wine tasting tour/day either, as it's a bit overkill for this gift. Does anyone have any ideas about where I could get this kind of stuff? Thanks.

I didn't get my certificates certified for the ACS. I got everything certified for DIBP (my EOI and Visa app), but not for my skills assessment. It wasn't a requirement (not in my case at least: 2 x employer references and degree transcript).

Don't know what type of computer you're using; but on my Mac there is a Quartz Filter you can apply to PDFs to compress them from within Preview. I had to do this for all of my scanned documents (as they were all high quality colour scans and too large).

IMMI site says: I'm reading that to mean it will not be refunded until the 10 year period -- or if you can convince them (as per last sentence). https://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/34aos.htm

On the face of it, I can't see why you would not be able to get a joint mortgage with your mother -- provided you can pass the credit check in the UK. The problem will be a UK bank lending to you when your income and current assets are (all?) held offshore. Additionally, depending on your situation you may not be classed as UK resident at all. You'd definitely have to consult a mortgage advisor, or your UK bank, to see what their lending criteria are. Some bank certainly will offer you a mortgage in these circumstances (Barclays Wealth for example), but I'd guess the lending criteria are tough and the deposit large.

I had my HNC in computing assessed as an equivalent AQF diploma with a major in computing by the ACS, so HNC's can definitely be converted to an Oz equivalent. Having an employer recognise it, though; well one would hope the weight of the ACS (or other recognised Australian body) would be sufficient for them to accept your qualification as valid. Whether that alone would enough to swing you a job offer, with otherwise no commercial experience, I couldn't say.

So much easier in IT! I feel for you

Oh yes, in that case you would be OK as you have so much pre-qualification experience. I think in that case you just need a diploma equivalent qualification.

I don't know really what a btec would be seen as, sorry. You still need work experience though, according to what you posted. The 2nd paragraph says you must also have at least one year of highly relevant experience. So you essentially need at least a diploma + 1yr related experience (minimum). According to that excerpt you posted.

2nd para: if your work experience is before you got your qualification(s), you need 3 years of work experience (though this could be interpreted as meaning 4 years total). 3rd para: if you have a qualification but it is un-related to your chosen skill, you must have 2 years of work experience doing the skill you've picked basically. It's still saying you need at least a diploma-level equivalent qualification, in addition to the work experience.

Quick question; for a new 189 migrant: when you start working do you pay the standard rates of tax immediately? I only ask because I'm sure a family member who emigrated (albeit 4 years ago now) had some kind of tax relief for a while when they moved over. They were on an employee sponsored visa though.

Hmm, read this on their site: [h=4]I have extensive work experience in a field highly relevant to my nominated occupation but no formal qualifications. Can I still apply for a skills assessment?[/h] VETASSESS Skills Assessment applications require an assessment of both qualifications and employment against the criteria for your nominated occupation. Post secondary educational qualifications are mandatory in order to gain a positive skills assessment. This does make you think you'll need a formal qualification.. but I really am not 100% sure.

The CSOL says that VETASSESS will assess your skills. Looking at their site; it seems to kinda suck compared to the guidance that I got from the ACS for my skills. I was given a complete breakdown of what skills I needed to demonstrate to be able to be positively assessed in my employment -- as well as the specific modules I was expected to have completed at uni. If there is something similar for VETASSES then that would be helpful, I'd think, to let you check off what you have done vs. what they expect you to have done. Currently, though, I can't see anything like that on their site. Perhaps someone else knows better.

Basically, yes. Generally a degree will translate to a degree. My Scottish honours degree was recognised as a regular Oz degree, however. My skill that I chose was Developer Programmer. Re: your second question --if I had a degree in graphic design, for example -- they might both have me using a computer, but they would not assess the degree as related to my chosen skill. I would therefore struggle to be assessed as having the skills I need to claim to be a developer programmer. Also work experience will be assessed, if you have any. Don't know how this will work for welders though.

Qualifications and skills are assessed by the appropriate body. They alone determine which skills/qualifications they will accept and interpret as equivalent to the Australian versions. It is therefore entirely dependant on which governing body will assess your skills. For computing it is the Australian Computer Society, for example.