Chrisanddeb1

G’day and a happy Saturday all, I moved over here 4 years ago (CPV) and have been working most of the time, on just about minimal wage. I do, however, draw two UK pensions (fully declared) which take me over some tax thresholds, and each year I end up with a lump sum to pay to the ATO. Having no mortgage I don’t use my pension dosh, and most of it sits either in a UK bank or over here in my Oz bank. I have heard recently that if I pay some (or all) of the year’s pension payments into my Super as a concessionary payment then I will not have to pay tax on it thereby reducing my tax debit at EOFY. I did contact the ATO for advice but I think that something got lost in translation as they kept offering me the chance to pay the tax debit with increments! Any advice/clarification on the above will be gratefully received. cheers, Chris

G'day all, I am visiting UK in March. I am Aussie resident but UK citizen. Does anyone know what the requirements are for travel insurance (eg medical). I would guess that insuring baggage, car hire excess etc is personal choice cheers

Good morning all, i am visiting in uk for 3 weeks during March. I am an Oz resident Uk citizen. Will i need travel insurance. Very many thanks. Cheers

Hi Ian, Enmy opinion, a very good choice. We moved over with them to Brisbane. They turned up at our door right on time, were a very efficient team who packed our stuff and finished in about a day and a half (we had everything ready for them in the respective rooms of the house and they were very appreciative of that). They gave sound advice on cleaning items such as bikes and boots, and comleted everything with minimum of fuss. Also then whole team involved from sales pitch to completion were professional. I think it cost us about £2500 for a 20ft container which still had space (we had three bedroomed house). Also the team this end has proved to be equally good. We also used Letton Percival for insurance and they have also been great. Cheers, Chris

Hi Susie, we did look at renting (in the Brisbane area) and it pretty much is 'yes to all of the above. We had no rental history either. You will have a whole bunch of forms to complete which gives you a chance to explain that. You also have to detail your income revenue, or how you will be able to meet the rent. Your completed forms are sent to the home owner who will decide on who will be accepted. Our experience is that there is a big demand for rental properties, and when you go to an open viewing there are generally quite a few other viewers. Having said that apparently it is easier from February for a couple of months (but by then we had decided to house-sit instead. The dogs won't be a problem, in as much as properties descriptions will state if pets are allowed (some may stipulate that they should not be in the house). Finally, when you get to the house often they bear little resemblance to the photos (this is same buying properties as well). Mostly they are out of date, with furniture photoshopped in, and the room sizes and decor are not quite what they seem. Although this all seems quite negative this is just our 'take' on it, so good luck with your property hunt.

Thanks Bungo, will do.

Meant to say "many thanks"

Good morning, I emigrated to Oz in April. I am drawing two UK pensions (not as old as that makes me seem!) but am not paying tax in the UK. Currently the momey is being paid into my UK account as the exchange rate is so poor, in fact I have not transferred any over simce we arrived. The total amountt of both pensions would be under the $18200 threshold (just under £1000). i would be grateful if you could answer two questions: Do I still need to declare it? i am looking for casual work and assume that i would need to declare the pension and earnings together at that stage.