Guest263228

I certainly do not agree the food is better. It can be in certain cases, but certainly no guarantee. Why do some use worn clichés? f course buying direct from the farm, will differ from a supermarkets, which are increasingly expensive and of varied quality. I had to throw away a block of cheese after a few days of purchase, just last week after it went mouldy. I couldn't locate the receipt so couldn't return it. Eating out is expensive and very much the same.

Sport is front cover when Aussies not in the hot seat, not news. The usual thing here, when people read newspapers in number, was for the bloke to turn to the back and read the sport. The rest received a glance. A bit cringe worthy but a few things would fit that bill. The big thing though is the expense. It is hugely expensive in so many things and very sad as this was far from always the case. I for one, consider the working culture not great out here also. Toxic in certain cases and very poorly managed. A pet hate of mine . But I understand UK has declined as well over the years.

I may just give it a try. How much is it? But still find enough on TV to satisfy watching lust, even if record and watch during the week. Things like Doc Martin, Victoria, The Last Post (just finished) Endeavour, DCI Banks, seem more than enough to fill in the mid week nights. Anything with the word celebrity would induce me to run a mile I'm afraid , but then detest all those sort of shows from Kitchen Chef to ......Got Talent and the rest......

I should try Netflicking....as love promoting the cringe level factor in believers ............

I have found it somewhat odd that advertisers continue to fork out so much, more to the point so many, adds on TV, with such a falling audience. I find the same with a particular FM station on the radio. In the morning (rush four period) the advertising is pathetic. Something like one song to seven minutes of advertising. Australians are very materialistically driven, hence the adds reflect this sadly. Not sure about underestimating the Australian audience. We do have close to, if not the highest personal levels of debt in the world. That speaks loads, IMO.

But I wonder all these people whom no longer watch TV, has it been replaced by on line activity? Hardly an improvement on time spent surely?

TV adds in UK are far superior I still recall some classics from Hovis and Tetleys (I think) with the monkey tea party. Australian advertising is like addressing children in immaturity. I wonder if this is reflective of something deeper.......?

The curse of life in the dreaded suburbs. Walkability measurements close to zero in many. I'd probably be inside, in a state of mild depression, under those circumstances. Even if possible to walk, the soullessness along with drought of people makes it an unpleasant experience, in many instances. You can put mosquito prevention in place though to enable a more pleasant back yard experience. Although I live in one of Perth's most walkable localities, it still certainly has limitations. In general I prefer UK for walking, or the pars of UK lived, I should qualify. Mainland Europe even more so. But I love walking and an interesting street scope is somewhat necessary besides long country/forest walks......

One thing I really admired Britain for last century was the lack of ostentatiousness, which sadly came increasingly into play, during the latter part of the Thatcher era. (The loads a money complex) But many were not impacted by the dreaded affluenza , which I always found more in place in Australia. I can't imagine having a Ferrari in London at any rate. A very big chance of getting a keying. At least in my time it certainly would. I recall when London was termed by a feature writer in The evening Standard, as having among the worst dressed people in Europe, outside of Eastern Europe, which was still behind The Iron Curtain. Happy days indeed.

Much what I have always heard about the NHS. Which leads one to believe that warnings over the past few decades certainly had a basis of truth. The agenda has been to run down NHS to such an extent in order to drown the howls of protest, with regards to the demise of present system and replaced by something far more sinister. (more along American lines)

I thought the system was over loaded and under funded?

Unlike some countries it doesn't matter how long the husband has worked, providing the initial period of time from entry into the country has been served. No wish to be the bearer of bad news, but I think you will find no payment will be entitled to. But do check them out. Australia is a tad unfair in that. Applies the same if one partner older, wanting to claim pension.

Check out the Income Test allowance to find out if applicable for anything. No assets does not necessary give any entitlement to the public purse. It wouldn't be very much on $60,000 , (if anything)but check out a part allowance towards rent or of a similar nature.

Housing is a major part of the economy. Some 60% of banking loans is ties up in unproductive housing. Obviously the banks have preferred to loan for over priced housing, with expectations that the government (tax payers) will ride to the rescue come a major crash. Small business on the other hand, a more risky proposition. Hopefully an enquiry will be agreed on to look into banking, but won't hold my breath under Turnbull. RBA has been dreadful as well to date. They should have stomped on the housing excess long ago, instead of perpetuating it. We are we are and must somehow attempt to find a way out. An interest rate will certainly dampen housing. Not a bad place to start as Australia attempts to rebuild its economy. Not a bad idea to make the two main cities affordable for starters.

As I said it was some time ago, just as the fiasco it was to become was taking off. I have helped others as well in going directly to source. I would add I would have no hesitation in doing it myself again. I do realise I should have been an immigration in my spare time, but probably could not justify to myself the hefty fees. Not to worry. Plenty of others out there have filled my shoes. I would further encourage, all to save a wad and DYO application, unless have issues beyond normal.

While our rates are higher than many countries, they have created havoc within society due to the record low within the housing industry and economy longer term as well.

The RBA does not advertise a rate rise. They have in the past warned about the eventuality. Just a hint of a rise would further raise the Australian dollar, which is unwanted in many quarters.

Very easy to do on own. At least we found so. That was back in nineties but can it be so much more difficult? Unless there are additional complications or not good at form filling go ahead. This immigration agent thingy, is a relative new thing from this century. Remember immigration from start to finish is a 'business. ' If you can reduce some of the outlay involved around it these days, you'll have more funds available, for setting up, in what is already a darn expensive country. Good luck. If successful let people know it isn't as daunting as they may believe.

Nothing is permanent but rising rates has certainly made the situation precarious. All too many of course, were sold loans ill equipped to manage, (some through deceitful means, others through brokers hassling for business) in times of a rate rise, which will come, a considerable number will find difficulty. Thrown to the wolves comes into mind.

The only advise I would offer, would be to sort out the country the want to be living in before giving birth again. It would likely have been easier before the first, but you are where you are. I really fail to understand any thoughts of further complications, if in the mind frame you claim.

I agree if you must get an agent, obtain one that is accessible and not only on line. I know one here in Perth, but am in no position to recommend her as know her from other angles. What I do know is shop around until comfortable with the person and the fees.

It's if anything the longer term issues, that you've perhaps not giving thought to, that may pose some thought, rather than the feelings to moving of a four year old. That could be weighed against the conditions you are leaving in social and economic terms. What I refer to are issues such as child care, in being away from grand parents for example. Perhaps the child growing up remote from nephews and nieces and extended family. Becoming 'Australian' and not having interest in returning to UK, if one day you decide to return. Or of course, vice versa. Your child returning and preferring UK and you left in Australia. All these things can and do happen. But the present regarding removal of a four year old, would be in most measurements the least of problems.

The difference being of course Australia was still a cheap country in the early 90's. Wages were higher than UK , although unemployment and interest rates were high. It was still possible to sell a house in parts of the south of England and get something very nice here and have money in the bank, earning a good rate of interest. Food was cheaper. Another 'boom' will be unlikely although pundits here will of course talk up the market. The man power will be unlikely to be needed in the event of some sort of turn around for starters. What passes as 'news' in our media, but is really attempts at retaining positivity and prevent further decline (fake news) has been rather evident over the past half year or more. Headlines of the housing market turning the corner being a classic example. Just yesterday the media was quoting sources claiming spending on the rise, pre Christmas. New car sales up. Well I bought a new car in past six months, and can say with certainly that sales have been promoted non stop. Hardly suggests a very healthy market. My observations is that Perth has quietened right down. Cafe's are far quieter than a few years back. I was down at Elizabeth Quay, a couple of days ago and was struck by how few people present. North Bridge, for two lunch times, during the past few further echoed the few people around. I realise this is Perth focused, but can only comment from my point of observation. I have been to Sydney, twice this year, and found a mixed picture, but somewhat hidden by the volume of people present.

Doesn't quite sound right in a Midlands accent I'm afraid. Even a hard sell in an Aussie accent these times, because she's a long way from being alright.

Nothing strange about a resource based economy being carried along in the growth of China, over the past few decades. Canada was another example, now paying a similar price. The government remains clueless the present economic reality and outside world economic events, especially with regards to China, will continue to dictate how Australia functions as an economy. Australia has not always been a strong performing economy. The Depression years were very keenly felt in Australia. The most recent recession during the early nineties were very painful as well. Very high interest rates and unemployment.