BendigoBoy

Who's to say they're not about to, anyways!? As I said at our morning standup meeting at work today: I'm fighting the corner for the underdog. This week, I identify as a purple gel ink pen. There's no end to the liberal nature of the modern world.

I did not know they were originally the same age! And historically, I accept it would have been very strongly the majority of the time women who took the time off to raise a family. Far more fluid a situation nowadays. Personally, I far prefer the more equitable nature of our Age Pension to the UK State Pension approach.

Sure, it's always miffing when the government change the rules. I'm grateful I've a protected NRA of 55 on my old bank pension, otherwise I'd be annoyed about the increase to 57. However, at the end of the day, if we want true equality between the sexes, then I really don't see how anyone can reasonably argue that a five year gap on when you can claim a pension simply because of your chromosomal build is equitable.

It's precisely that philosophy that I so detest. It runs absolutely counter to the principle of being free at the point of need.

According to PTE's own website, the Academic Online test is not accepted for visa applications. https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academic-online

To be honest, I was tempted to go and do the Harbour Bridge climb until I actually walked along the bridge itself in the quiet hours around 5am in January back in 2018. That was a tip top view in itself: and then the lizard brain kicked in and said I hadn't had to pay for that, that's good, that'll do. It's probably even nicer from the top - I'm just too tight to spend and find out now.

Dunno. Kinda computes with me. If the lady wife was nagging in my ear all day on a trip to Paris and I knew she had terrible acrophobia, I'd probably have gone up the thing eight times just for the peace and quiet... (probably all in the same freaking day, as well)

Not to mention the up-themselves-upper-classholes.

Edited to remove content: off topic

Heartbreaking, in a way. I used to spend a fair bit of time on Sauchiehall Street, 20 years ago. Maybe if there hadn't been that last minute swing after that lying sod Cameron told them the only way to stay in the EU was to stay in the UK back in 2014, it might be different. Doubt it, though. The SNP haven't exactly shown strong credentials in honesty and good economic governance. They've made their bed over the years. They'll just have to lie in it. Just glad my bed is Down Under.

Small appetite over the holidays, eh?

Sadly, yes. Doesn't help me lose the Covid kilos...

Liquorland is handy, I've one just across the road. But Dan's has a far better range of cognac and port.

Yes. As someone with a love of history, it's always good for a trip back to the 1960s.

You'll be fine, mate. Uncle Dan's always got a good bit of anaesthetic to numb the pain.

Yeah. Never had that luck. Enjoy my creature comforts when I'm in the city way too much. Oldest Melbourne building I lived in was six years old.

Very probably the caution. If it was a formal caution. For immigration purposes, as I understand it, nothing is ever spent. (As always, I will happily stand corrected). It won't be anything to do with the bank raid: it would be a fornal caution/conviction. I used to work in banking and had to testify in court against staff on many occasions, nothing ever showed on my record as a consequence (after all, it's not landed against you, you're doing a public service). Hopefully when you get the response from your SAR, it'll give you some clarification. Good luck, regardless. This is something lots of people have to address. It isn't necessarily anything that will stop a visa issuance.

Lots of us have been there, mate. Look on the upside. As a tenant, you don't have to pay council rates here.

I may disagree with you very violently on many fronts; however, on most of what you put here, I entirely agree.

They should have done exactly that in 2008. However, Australia was a different kettle of fish; it was relatively well insulated from the GFC. And the banks were (and remain) stupendously well capitalised.

I will leave the specifics of how feasible it is to find a teaching role while overseas to those more in the know. @InnerVoice might be able to provide some insight on that. In terms of moving only a month before the job starts, I would just ask you to consider whether that's realistically time enough. I moved over in August 2016, and it was a different world for rentals at that time. We were very fortunate in booking a short term apartment for two weeks on arrival and then landing a 12 month rental agreement two days later. If you have to juggle house hunting alongside starting a new full time job, it could be worth sitting down to consider if maybe a little more leeway (another month or so) on arrival to sort out long term accommodation and get yourself grounded in the country is something to consider. (Although I appreciate that's also potentially another month without an income stream).

It is getting insane, to be honest. I've been vehemently anti negative gearing since I learned it was a concept.... ...But this year's been surreal. So much so that the wife and I are currently on the hunt around Melbourne for a decent flat to buy and rent out below market rate. Won't even make a scratch at a national level, but if we can at least help one soul find a roof over their head and leave them with a bit in their pocket to build up some savings to right foot themselves, we'll feel a little easier. (Edited to amend lack-of-caffeine-induced typo)

If resources allow, why not take a flight to Melbourne or Hobart for Christmas? My wife and I have had Christmas at home since the pandemic, but are slowly coming back out of our shells. Lunch by the river, not too much humidity, and a chance to meet some new friends was a highlight of our first four Christmases in Australia. Homesickness hits us all in different ways. We certainly found ours abated that first year by the wonderful social atmosphere along the river and down the lane ways of Melbourne. Whatever you choose to do, I hope the homesickness doesn't hit you too hard over the holiday season. From the wilds of Country Victoria: Merry Christmas

Yeah, been using Revolut for a while now. They're snappy and swift. No concerns from me with them. Although depends what you mean by large sums, but had no issues going into six figures with them.

In terms of borrowing for a house, the banks are more likely to put weight on your job role, industry, likelihood for salary progression, and take home pay after expenses than they are a credit rating: it's a handy check for risk assessment. But when people working in the banks are showing people how to lie on mortgage applications, you have to wonder where the real risk is.