Guest263228

I'm forever shocked with the outcome. Not to say when the level reached absurdity. Was it disguised due to the boom? This period certainly unleashed unfortunate forces in many directions, that appears to have changed this country forever. All very well for newbies to hark on about cheap alternatives, all too often get what paid for, as well as ' not being too bad compared to UK'. They of course never witnessed the times of constant rock and roll. Most anyone with a job, even those on government payments, didn't do to bad either, were not restricted to low price alternatives. A night down the pub was very affordable. There wasn't the choice of avocado on sour dough with such and such or multiple coffee choices and pretentious people.....taking themselves altar seriously .....

Regardless of whether comparisons with UK are relevant, Australia remains expensive. It is way out of whack when compared to the cost of living twenty/thirty years ago. Coming to Australia then the cheapness was evident.

You have discussed Brunei experiences with me previously and never mentioned fears for your safety. Orang Putih , is not considered a bad term. Purely means a white person.

A somewhat unfortunate heading. It makes it sound, until read that Australia is becoming over run with Muslims and Asians. Demographics are changing out of necessity and finally an awareness of world position. Where the problem lays is the near record numbers entering the country. While numbers have declined, Australia is still increasing population at developing world levels. Besides maintaining the housing Ponzi, something I have been at pains to point out for a few years, there is absolutely no need to bring in so many people. Same for the ridiculous, highly abused 457 visa. The future does not require the workers of old. We are declining in living standards in the process. Not issues that immediately bother most on here, where increasingly it has become a forum of ways to remain regardless of having a required qualification.

The numbers remain far too great. We simply do not need so many people. Australia remains close to the fastest growing developed world population growth.The housing market should find its own way, without the relying on high immigration.But love the diversity. But I fail to see why some countries are so far in front of the pack. (even taking into account huge population difference) Good to see growing communities from less established nations in the last census, from Brazil for example.

It is Asset speculation by many, which whom even a slight increase in interest rates will severely impact. Such a situation, has really complicated the job of the RBA. Of course it shouldn't have been allowed to arrive at the situation we now find ourselves,. but that said we are where we are and solutions are painfully thin on the ground.

I notice that as well. We had a number of Irish households at one time in my neighbourhood, now rapidly declining with the downturn, only a the odd occasion did I ever hear an Aussie accent within any of these groups when they had a bbq or craic outside. Almost never. Aussies keep pretty much to themselves in my experience as yours, something not always apparent to those that meet Aussies abroad, whom often appear louder and more out going.

Such insularity very scary indeed. I couldn't be with someone like that. Especially if no interest in finding out either. London is by far the most transient city I've ever lived in. Perth though transient by its resource boom/bust reliance is up there though doesn't really come close.

The transient nature of WA. Indeed.Quite surprised to learn two days ago a family from Ireland originally, are pulling the plug on Perth, returning back to Ireland. Not a shred of evidence prior to their announcement but must have been discussed for awhile. By all accounts they were exceptionally well placed here. Perhaps his line of work had gone of the boil a little, but she had a decent job.

Hardly unexpected unfortunately. Slave labour should be dealt with very harshly in Australia. Ten year jail terms with hard labour may make these pee takers think again. Far too much abuse under the wider context of labour visa holders happening in this country. Abuse has been exposed under WHV / Student Visa's and 457's previously. We really need to get real and sort out the mess around us.

Probably fortunate I didn't make a presence in first meet from the response. In fact that was the only reason I attended to following was to lay to rest some of the accusations made after the first meet. You possibly forget some of the responses prior to initial meet towards posts but no matter. My comfort zone? No most I suspect from last meet are newer arrivals with possibly own agendas, to network perhaps being a prime one, which of course is fair enough. I wouldn't attend another in all likelihood but nothing against the meet nor those attending. I stand by all I say regarding the difficulty of 'friendship' in the Australian context from long experience over time both from a personal level, but even more so the comments of others, including those long before the internet. I agree sporting clubs, Bridge and the like assist folk in steering the same direction in 'doing something' together. To arrive at a meeting of minds , now there's a place difficult to arrive at in the context being referred to. I personally did not find everywhere the same. All to their own. I just put it how I see/find it. May not jell with all but hardly matters.

Now imagine the anguish that would save? I expect many Englanders would vote to close the wagons around their bit of the island as well. Best leave them to it I say.

Assuming Britain still exits as well of course. Scotland may well have gone its merry way. Or an application to resume membership on the table. That if the present withdrawal is not withdrawn due to national interest.

I do recall aspects of your story. It is extremely sad when a relationship of such duration concludes as it did. I did suspect at the time knowing the country involved and more to the point how men behave in such situations. While very comforting to have two dogs, I do trust you have a little more interaction in your life. We all deserve something more and try not to judge all possible future relations on a incredibly bad and unfair experience. Most of us have felt pain. I can only imagine after so many years have marriage you must have felt. Good luck.

Australia is hardly swamped by Muslims (especially) nor Asians, but obviously numbers have substantially grown over the previous dozen years. Certain suburbs like Hurstville in Sydney has some 50% plus of the population born in one particular country that being China. Australia has largely been enhanced by the growth of multi ethnic populations within its midst, but caution is needed. The population is growing far too quickly for most peoples taste. This in turn, even in a country, which displays as much apathy as Australia tends to around politics and similar topics, promote a very ugly underside which could turn quite nasty given the right spark. We tend to crow too much with regards to just how successful an immigrant nation we have become/are. We have hardly been tested yet. We need to keep in mind many are doing it tough. The housing market is highly stressful for many. Job security is something of the past. It wouldn't take to much of a turn in economic conditions to allow a breeding ground of hatred to emerge in particular areas of cities within the nation.

Indeed. Quite a considerable number moved over time to FNQ though. Where a moderately large community has been established . I expect the Tasmanian weather conditions were too far removed from what that group was used to and FNQ the most similar. Their attire is very colourful as well. Australia could do worse than doubling its humanitarian stake bringing in far more in attune with rural living.

Far too few international migrants are settling in regional areas though. Dalwallinu here in WA is an example, as mentioned, in the article, another in this state is Katanning where I was a week plus ago. Some 10% of the population Malay Muslim. A number of refugees have settled in the town, with Burmese leading the charge, but African folks most clearly visible on the day of my visit. This town celebrates Harmony Day every year and the diversity appears well received from the few locals, at least that I spoke with. I have long advocated humanitarian migrants, often with agricultural skills be resettled in towns of a rural setting. Burmese groups of The Karen ethnicity often prefer the countryside, as do Hmong Lao and certain African entrants. It certainly revitalises dying or stagnant towns instead of sending most to way over subscribed metro centres of Sydney and Melbourne especially. Other examples outside of Nhill have been Mt Gambier in SA, where initial hostility in certain quarters appears to be declining as Burmese Karen establish themselves in that city and Wagga Wagga where Bhutanese in some number have settled.

I can only endorse the above. A complete dog's dinner having to transvers between terminals. The airport appears to have forever under going additions or enlargements with minimal improvement as a result. At times regression. Does appear a bit of a Perth thing at times. Potential. But never quite makes the grade. Darn expensive as well. Of course with new security measures coming soon, there will be greater onus to spend more with more time needed being in the airport facility. Good news for operators. Less good for punters. The latter of course will cop 'it sweet' I expect in the way things usually unfold .

I'm a little similar to your sister I suppose. Definitely never wanted kids. Very happily lived in European cities. (for most part ) I can imagine living next to Queen Street Gardens would be a great location if single. Edinburgh has a lot going on and quite a mindful city. I loved for the most part living in W2 Central London. I purchased in Perth, close to the centre (walking distance) but not remotely the same level or calibre of contact. Still couldn't do the suburbs though and thankful everything is close to hand.

Fine being single up to a certain age. I'm afraid I don't see much fun in the age though of being alone. Although obviously we can never tell the future and will have to grin and bare it if it arises. Part of the meaning of life is surely sharing experiences? Relating them to another when older? When younger though far better to be single with lots of friends with assets. My observations are that it gets ever harder over the years. Those not used to sharing a life can find it near impossible. I really question how many are truly content or who just realise that they have likely missed the boat. Saying that being ' connected' but living apart, with perhaps weekends together and holidays may prove the more ideal option. Especially perhaps for women, whom often appear to do the solo living thing better. My comments are not specifically Perth related to which I maintain is somewhat difficult in the friendship stakes.

Worst I had was Barra. Mistook it for being a short hand version of Barramundi, a different kettle of fish all together. You can't beat fresh caught and cooked fish, regardless, for the most part of variety. (never fresh water Mekong Bara though) If deep fried usually find Snapper does the trick out here, if Barramundi unavailable. But grilled far better. Chips I agree. Rather poor most places. Some exceptionally so. Most palatable if not much more.

Lots of older Australians are out thee spending the kids inheritance on cruises and what not. I know some that give a fixed amount, say $50,000 perhaps more to grand kids. As for wealthy Australians, not just those that are living in over inflated assets, but wealthy due to numerous means, little has changed. Their kids will continue for the most part to go to private schools and inherit well. The ever growing number of Australians that will never afford to own their own roof, will likely be one of the greatest changes in Australian society.

Well no what will more likely happen if property isn't allowed to correct, will be the steadily growing numbers unable to enter the housing market on one side and a further number of stressed 'mortgage slaves', attempting to , in cases keep a roof over their head as mortgage rates rise. Even the smallest rate rises will stress many. What Australia will need is far greater protection for renters in the future as it becomes increasingly mainstream.

Anything that detracts from the profits of greedy main stream providers can't be a bad thing. Can it? The industry needs a shake up with such wildly escalating prices over the past fifteen or so years.

Hence the ever increasingly over influence (or their fees) of foreign students over time in Australian uni's. This in turn has led to numerous questions with regards to falling standards. The government of various persuasion has given vice chancellors little scope but seek out ever increasing overseas numbers with funding cuts. Of course the import of students is a major contributor to the economy due to services used during their time in the country.