Guest263228

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.

On ‎1‎/‎11‎/‎2017 at 16:52, ramot said:

Not all Muslim countries are as you described CR. Certainly kept our house and gate locked , in the 10 years in Brunei, and it's the only country that We have had our car broken into, or that I have been spat at. Then there were the spate of phone calls threatening the wives when our husbands were away working by a local working in the rostering office. Not funny answering the phone at night and hearing someone say I am coming to kill you.

Loved the way we were always described as Aliens or Orang Putih in the paper, and the local who chased one of my children's friends with a machete certainly couldn't be described as peaceful.

So like everywhere in the world some places are safer than others irrespective of religion.

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.

9 hours ago, Perthbum said:

Depends what type of person you are, I have a very dry sense of humor that fitted perfectly with the Irish in my case and with the English. I did not dislike Aussies but found they were not good listeners but most only wanted to tell me their stories and their situations. Have made loads of good English Irish and Scottish friends but just could not say the same about aussies, there is a click over there and for Brits I imagine it is harder to break than a saffa. They do like to keep themselves to themselves.

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.

18 hours ago, benj1980 said:

I have a sister who thinks that anyone from Exeter or up the M5 is a weirdo. No concept of the world around them besides what they've seen on the TV. Scary that an intelligent individual could be like that! I certainly agree with the transient nature of Perth and WA. It's dictated by mining I guess. We hardly know anyone who is actually from the town in which we live which is incredible to think. Obviously there are many but most that we know have moved in at a stage in their lives...

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.

8 hours ago, The Pom Queen said:

Just remember though when you were invited to the first Pomsinoz Meet Up in Perth you hid away, it was only last year when you finally came forward and joined in. From those first ever get togethers which were sponsored by @John from Moneycorp a lot of members made life long friends. Maybe if you had stretched from your comfort zone you would also have gained some valuable friendships.

To the OP @Spencer's I hope you are still around and read through the posts. What I can honestly say is that no matter where you move making friends is going to be hard. If you moved to another town in the UK it would be the same. We forget that the friends we have in the UK we have known for years.

I remember a group of expats in Melbourne who we had helped relocate got some T Shirts made up that said "Please be my friend I'm a New Pom, fresh off the boat" they actually did work and the group of them, 5 families, now have a huge network and social gathering, in fact half of that crowd are currently in Perth celebrating one of the women's 50th Birthday.

Now I'm not saying go and buy a T Shirt and all your worries will end. Apart from a couple of members who I know personally on here (although I don't see them hardly) we don't have many friends. We are what you would call loners. To make friends you have to be social yourself, join sports/social clubs, maybe join a parent/teacher group. It will come just don't expect it to be sudden. In the meantime you have us on here. 

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.

5 minutes ago, amibovered said:

Can't see Scotland moving away now, the Scots seem to have seen through the SNP lies, with a bit of luck we might get a referendum on England leaving the U.K.

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.

34 minutes ago, northernbird said:

I spent 25 years with 1 person and was dreadfully hurt by them.  I will not put myself in that position again.  I have older teenagers and I am now comfortable living in poverty in suburbia with my 2 dogs 

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.

2 hours ago, Evandale said:

Brilliant farmers and very popular here in Tasmania. Their produce is amazing and very well priced!

 

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.

On ‎6‎/‎10‎/‎2017 at 18:27, The Pom Queen said:

Population growth has profound impacts on Australian life, and sorting myths from facts can be difficult. This article is part of our series, Is Australia Full?, which aims to help inform a wide-ranging and often emotive debate.

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Rather than being an unsettling force, international migrants are helping to provide stability to the regional Australian communities they settle in. A considerable number of new arrivals are also younger and have the potential to build families and work in these communities.

Research with the Regional Australia Institute, examining the latest 2016 Census data, found 151 regional local government areas were helping to offset declining population in regional areas by attracting international migrants.

We can see that, for many small towns, the overseas-born are the only source of population growth. A majority of these places rely on primary industry for economic viability. Although predominantly rural, these places are not in the most remote parts of Australia. 

Growth of Australian-born and overseas-born population, 2011-16

 

Regional Australia Institute, Author provided

Of the 550 local government areas we reviewed, 175 regional areas increased their population, while 246 did not; 151 increased their overseas-born and decreased their Australian-born population. Only 20 areas increased in Australian-born population and decreased in overseas-born population.

We also found that 128 regional areas increased both Australian-born and overseas-born population. Another 116 regional areas decreased in both Australian-born and overseas-born population.

Darwin is one example of where international migration has helped counter population decline. At the 2011 Census, Darwin had 45,442 people recorded as born in Australia and 19,455 born elsewhere. By 2016, the number of Australian-born locals had reduced to 44,953 and the number of overseas-born had increased to 24,961. 

Without this increase in overseas-born residents, the Darwin population would have decreased. The local economy would likely have suffered as a result.

The problem of shrinking regional towns

Ever since the influx of immigrants following the second world war, the settlement of international migrants has been overwhelmingly focused on large metropolitan centres. This has been especially evident for recently arrived immigrants and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Migrants perceive metropolitan areas as presenting a higher likelihood of finding compatriots and better access to employment, as well as education and health services. Large cities have therefore been considered the most appealing settlement locations, with Sydney and Melbourne the most popular.

If settlement of international migrants had been proportional to the overall population distribution in Australia, an additional 125,000 migrants would have settled in regional Australia between 2006 and 2011.

In a concerted effort to promote the social and economic viability of regional communities, in 2004 the federal government started a campaign to increase migrant settlement throughout different areas of the country. 

Regional settlement of migrants has since been encouraged across levels of government as a “win-win scenario” for new arrivals and host communities alike.

What international migrants bring

In the past decade, there has been a particular focus on secondary migration to regional areas. That is, relocating international arrivals from metropolitan areas to regional ones. 

Proactive community-business partnerships and local government initiatives have propelled this process. For example, in the Victorian town of Nhill, the local arm of the poultry production company Luv-a-Duck worked with settlement service provider AMES Australia to help more than 160 Karen refugees find work in the area between 2010 and 2015. 

In another town, Dalwallinu in Western Australia, the population was in decline and local infrastructure was deemed underused. In response, the local council has worked closely with residents since 2010 to attract skilled migrants.

Notwithstanding the challenges involved in attraction and retention, international migrants remain a vital asset for building regional economies and communities. They help stem skilled labour shortages in these areas – for example, by filling much-needed doctor and nursing positions.

International migrants are also key contributors to the unskilled workforce, often filling positions that domestic workers are unwilling to take on. For example, abattoirs and poultry plants are important businesses in regional Australia. Many would be unable to operate without international migrants, as many local residents do not consider this kind of work “acceptable employment”.

As a consequence of the various efforts to spread the settlement of overseas arrivals, the number of international migrants living and working in non-metropolitan Australia has increased. Between 2006 and 2011, 187,000 international migrants settled outside the major capital cities.

Still, regional areas have remained underrepresented as a settlement location. Despite regional Australia being home to about one-third of the population, less than one-fifth of all new arrivals between 2006 and 2011 settled in a regional area. 

For regional areas to make the most of the many advantages migrants have to offer, there needs to be more focused policy that encourages and assists regional settlement across the country. This policy needs to be informed by the work in a growing number of regional communities (like Nhill and Dalwallinu) that already draw on international migration to combat population loss and persistent labour shortages. By encouraging more international migrants to call regional Australia “home”, we can start focusing on ensuring regional prosperity for the long term.

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You can read other articles in the Is Australia Full? series here.

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 .

16 minutes ago, Toots said:

My sister was divorced in her early 20s and has never remarried.  She has had a very happy single life since then.  A good career and many overseas postings with that career.  She has never wanted children either.  After 40 years in London and various different cities around the world she is happily retired in Edinburgh - right in the city centre opposite Queen Street Gardens.  She's been too busy to be lonely and has many friends for social contact.

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.

13 hours ago, northernbird said:

No idea, resolutely single for the rest of my living days!!

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.

12 hours ago, The Pom Queen said:

— Airbnb hotspots in riverside and seaside Perth suburbs and South-West region — 

— Tourism stakeholders see opportunity and potential threat in Airbnb phenomenon — 

The number of West Australians listing accommodation on Airbnb has increased by more than 50 per cent in the past year to more than 8,100 listings, a new report by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) shows.

The report, The Impact of Airbnb on WA’s Tourism Industry, examined the growth and impact of Airbnb in WA, where tourism is increasingly considered an alternative development perspective in the State’s slowing, resource-dependent economy.

Report author Associate Professor Christof Pforr, from the School of Marketing at Curtin Business School, said Airbnb was one of the most disruptive developments in tourism of the past decade.

He said the report found a mixed response to Airbnb among tourism stakeholders who could see both the potential in opening up new tourism opportunities in WA as well as the threat to the conventional accommodation sector.

“The report shows that Airbnb is becoming an increasingly visible reality for the State’s tourism sector with about 8000 listings and 6000 hosts. Today, about 25 per cent of WA’s room capacity is provided via the online platform with about six per cent of WA’s international overnight visitor stays generated by Airbnb last year,” Associate Professor Pforr said.

“Although WA’s Airbnb supply is spread across the State, popular hotspots included riverside and seaside suburbs in Perth and Fremantle, as well as Margaret River and Busselton in the South-West. In comparison to single rooms generally dominating the conventional accommodation sector, entire homes and apartments dominate Airbnb offerings in WA, with houses clearly the more common type of accommodation on offer.

“Even though the monthly earnings of WA’s Airbnb hosts total more than $4.5 million, this report shows most Airbnb activities seem to take place privately, or occasionally, with more than 80 per cent apparently being single listings, or one listing per host, and occupancy rates at or below 20 per cent on average.”

Co-investigator Dr Michael Volgger, also from Curtin’s School of Marketing, said Airbnb holidaymakers and guests differed from traditional WA visitors on some features, including the locations they were visiting from, who they travelled with and where they visited while here.

“According to our data, tourists from Singapore and Malaysia accounted for almost half of all Airbnb users in WA in 2015. Airbnb guests also have an above average tendency to visit wine regions such as Margaret River and the Swan Valley and they tend to be younger and travel more frequently as couples, families or together with friends and relatives,” Dr Volgger said.

Associate Professor Pforr said the report provided a suite of potential policy responses as a guide for decision-makers, based on nine international case studies from London, New York, San Francisco, Barcelona, Rome, Berlin, Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Singapore.

“Many of the tourism stakeholders interviewed based their opinions about Airbnb mainly on anecdotal information. However, the overwhelming feedback was that they are seeking clear rules that govern the sharing economy based on factual evidence,” he said.

“This report works to close the existing knowledge gap on Airbnb and offers a range of potential policy responses that have already been trialled elsewhere, ranging from banning short-term residential leases and restricting the number of days allowed to a more proactive approach of signing agreements with Airbnb.

“However, it should be noted that any decision by governments to initiate policy or regulatory responses to the Airbnb phenomenon need to be made in light of the specific local context.”

Key findings from the report include:

Airbnb Supply in WA

Airbnb is an increasingly noticeable reality in WA tourism.

WA’s Airbnb supply consists of more than 8,000 listings (March 2017).

About 25 per cent of WA’s room capacity is supplied by Airbnb.

Airbnb supply is growing at about four per cent per month (2016).

Indicators suggest that WA’s Airbnb supply remains mainly in the ‘private’ (occasional) realm.

Monthly earnings of WA’s Airbnb hosts in total exceed AUD $4.5 million.

Airbnb Demand in WA

About six per cent of WA’s international overnight stays are generated by Airbnb (2016).

About 10 per cent of WA’s international holidaymakers are Airbnb users (2016).

Airbnb demand (international visitors) is growing at a rate of more than 100 per cent per year (2015-2016).

Airbnb guests appear to differ from other guests, as do Airbnb holidaymakers.

67 per cent of all international Airbnb users in WA are holidaymakers (2015).

Airbnb users differ in their distribution regarding source markets: Visitors from Singapore and Malaysia account for 47 per cent of all Airbnb users in WA (2015).

International Airbnb users have an above average tendency to visit wine regions such as Margaret River and the Swan Valley.

Airbnb users often travel as couples, families or together with friends and relatives.

Stakeholder Perceptions

WA stakeholders hold concerns over, but also see opportunities in Airbnb.

Perceived benefits include additional income and competition, distribution advantages for regional areas, global reach of the platform and flexibility in supply.

Perceived concerns include neighbourhood amenity issues, the need for monitoring and information, safety and liability, tax avoidance and impacts on investment models.

Stakeholders demand more robust and accessible data and call for decisive leadership in governing the sharing economy.

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.

9 hours ago, s713 said:

Most immigrants aren't alcoholics, ice addicts or raised on Hungry Jack's. That could skew the results.

Quite possibly less likely, though probably not their kids though, whom want 'to fit in'.