Jon the Hat

I think in this case I would be approaching the NSW sponsoring agency and discuss with them that your employer has asked you to move due to a business need for your skills in Melbourne. They might grant you a release from the clause.

Not sure where you are looking! Kayak has toyota camry sized for 3 weeks at $1200. Adelaide, 12/1 – 2/2 (kayak.com.au)

I'm sure Pilger was wrong about a number of things, but certainly coming from outside it is clear Australia has not dealt with its colonial past yet in any meaningful way. I was in Karratha this week and talking to some local gentlemen they were very clear the Miners are all full of shit and will do the absolute minimum they can get away with in regard to the local aboriginal community, native title or not.

Like anything else, these things can be all consuming if you are surrounded by them, but completely invisible to the majority who are not.

This is a good point - if you attend a viewing they often hand out a hard copy of the application form.

Agreed that is a worrying thing to do.

Unless you fancy your chances of becoming a cabinet minister, in which case things are looking up!

I hope your comments re Marisa mean you have already considered this, and I am sure it is tough if both (all?) of your children live (or will live) in Australia, but do make sure you are doing this because it is right for you. We all tend to idealise what it will be like - spending time with the kids and grandkids, but the reality may be you only see them once very few weeks (we all have busy lives) and cannot afford to live nearby, or the compromise to do so makes you miserable. You will be giving up your home and friends (they generally won't visit even if they say they will with the best of intentions.) It might all be brilliant and make you happy for the rest of your days, but you must consider it might not.

Oh another point, with NAB I was able to add my card to apple wallet the day I showed my ID in the branch rather than waiting 2 weeks for it to arrive. Was very handy.

I much prefer the River too. Same in Sydney I guess.

Perth is indeed isolated, but it also has everything you need That said I travel quite a lot with work so who am I to judge!

Yeah I did it with NAB last year. Just be clear you cannot withdraw any of the money before you show your ID in branch.

I like Perth but wouldn't want to live that far out - I live in Mount Pleasant - 15 minutes to the city, 20 to Freo / beaches. On the river for kayaking, walking and cycling. It is a very easy place to live. I think Adelaide and Brisbane are too though. Once you get further out it is houses and shopping centres and I can't think of much worse. Some of the beaches are lovely though.

It is one person's opinion against just about everyone else I think. I suspect you have to be very unfortunate to find yourself in the midst of it.

No, you need to apply for a Resident Return Visa.