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Living in Australia

Multicultural population
Housing in Australia
Education in Australia
Learning English in Australia
Government and Political System
Religion
Employment
Health Care system in Australia
Living in Harmony Initiative

Multicultural population
Australia is often referred to as the "Lucky Country", with its spacious surroundings, high standard of living, excellent health and education system, temperate climate, wide and varied landscape, political and economic stability, and a general quality of life envied by many around the world.
The appeal of Australia is evident in the large number of people who migrate under the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) Migration Program every year. Up to 93,000 people will migrate to Australia in 2001-02 and over 100,000 in 2002-03, thus further enhancing the existing multicultural population.

Housing in Australia
The majority of Australians live within 50 kilometers of the coast in large cities or towns.

In these larger cities there is a wide range of housing available. House architecture has been based predominantly on European and American styles, but modern housing is distinctly Australian. There are terrace houses and 'Queen slanders'... with the styles based on the weather and lifestyle of the particular region.

Do not expect to see concentrations of high-rise residential areas (although inner city living has become more popular in recent years). Houses with large backyards, playing fields, parks and shopping centers nearby allow for a lifestyle envied by many people overseas.

Comfortable and spacious accommodation within one hour's travel of city centers (or less) allows most Australians to enjoy the convenience of getting to work easily, plus the luxury of easy access to national parks and regional recreation areas on weekends.

Education in Australia
A national body, to ensure a consistent standard of quality education is maintained through all states and territories, oversees Australia's education system.

The Australian education system is divided broadly into five areas:

• Preschool
• Primary School
• Secondary / High School / Secondary Colleges
• Career and Vocational Training
• University or other tertiary institutions

Schooling is compulsory for students in most states and territories until the age of 15. Although students are able to leave at that time, almost all students continue until they have completed at least their year 10 qualifications, and most complete their year 12 studies.

Australian's believe that education is part of their children's birthright, so community involvement in monitoring the standard of education is very high. Both girls and boys are encouraged to reach the same high level of education through formal learning.

You may find the system of teaching and school discipline very different in Australia. Less importance is placed on outward discipline and memorizing that many countries practice. Instead, the emphasis here is on self-discipline, learning through understanding, and generally encouraging a child's enthusiasm for learning.

Learning English in Australia
There are several English language programs available in Australia, which cater for adults and children with varying competency levels.

For adults, there are two programs available depending on your level of English language ability. The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is targeted at recent arrivals in Australia, with a basic level of English whilst the Advanced English for Migrants Program (AEMP) is suitable for permanent residents who are seeking employment in Australia and possess a sound (above basic) level of English.

For children, there are a number of programs within the school system. The government's "English as a second language - new arrivals" scheme assists primary and secondary school students who require intensive language tuition. Schools also have special programs to help classroom teachers with the English language needs of these children.

Government and Political System
Australia is a stable democracy, with compulsory voting for those over 18 years of age, ensuring a representative government. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of any democracy and Australians have no hesitation in expressing their views on political and controversial issues.

There are three levels of government:

Commonwealth Government or Federal Government
Led by the Prime Minister of Australia, responsibilities at this level of government include nation-wide matters such as defense, trade, foreign affairs and telecommunications.

State Governments
This level of government is led by various State Premiers, and complements the activities of the Commonwealth Government, especially in the areas of education, social welfare and law enforcement.

Local Governments
Locally elected councilors administer this level of government. Responsible for municipal activities such as town planning, building regulations and waste disposal.

Common law is the basis of Australia's legal system. The Parliament is based on the Westminster system of government. Australia is a member of the Commonwealth. Elected by the people of Australia, the Commonwealth Government of Australia governs our nation as a constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is also the Queen of Australia. Formally, she is the head of state, represented in Australia by a Governor-General.
 

Religion
While Australia is predominantly a Christian country, all religions are represented and respected in our multicultural society. Churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are located in most major cities
 

Employment
The Australian labor market is very competitive. Your success in gaining a job depends on prevailing economic conditions, which part of the country you live or intend to live in, the type of work you are looking for, your skills and recognition thereof, and the unique circumstances of particular industries.

Approval to migrate does not guarantee a job. It may take you some time to find work in Australia

Job Network services: There are a number of services available through Job Network, including:

• Job Matching to help unemployed people find a job
• Job Search Training to help eligible job seekers improve their job search techniques
• Intensive Assistance which provides help to job seekers who are long-term unemployed or otherwise disadvantaged and who are receiving a social security allowance
• The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme which is a self-employment program which helps people put their business ideas into practice
• Referral for overseas skills recognition

Migrants subject to the two-year waiting period have access to free Job Matching services throughout the Job Network. They do not, however, have access to Job Search Training or Intensive Assistance.

Finding a job: When you find a job vacancy that is suitable, you will usually have to write a job application for that position. In your application you should include:

• a description of the skills, experience, and qualifications you have that could help you do the job
• Copies of references from previous employers
• Copies of educational and trade certificates relevant to the job

The employer will usually receive a number of other applications to assess before deciding which applicants to interview. To improve your chances of being selected for interview, you should send a comprehensive application together with documents that support your claim to the job.

Being selected for an interview also does not mean that you were successful. A job interview is usually held at the employer's premises. There may be a panel of two or three people present to interview you. This is common practice in Australia.

As soon as all the applicants have been interviewed, you may find that some weeks pass by before you are advised of the outcome of your interview.

Working conditions (employer/employee rights): Employment and working conditions are strictly legislated in Australia through the law. It allows for the following ways of determining working conditions:

• Many jobs are covered by a federal or state award, Awards are legally binding on the employer, and cover such working conditions as minimum rates of pay, allowances, overtime, penalty rates, hours of work, and leave for holidays, long service or sickness.
• Some workplaces are covered by Certified Agreements (CAS). These are collective agreements about wages and conditions of employment that may be made directly between an employer and a group of employees or unions representing them. This is used in place of an award.
• An Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA) is an individual agreement between an employer and an employee about the employee's wages and conditions of employment. Like the CA, an AWA is used in place of an award.

Under the Workplace Relations Act, employees are guaranteed the right of freedom of association. They are free to join or not to join a trade union or any other organization. For more information,

NASC will provide information about federal and state wages, employment conditions and workplace relations systems
 

Health Care system in Australia
Australia has one of the best health care systems in the world. It is widely accessible to all who reside in the country.
All permanent Australian residents pay a Medicare levy (an additional tax) to fund the public health system. This entitles them to free or subsidized services by medical practitioners and public hospital care.
There is also an extensive private health system, for those wishing to pay an additional fee to receive extra benefits for optical, physiotherapy and dental treatment when they use private health care services.

Health care in Australia follows Western traditions with a high level of technical and scientific skills .

There is also an extensive private health system, for those wishing to pay an additional fee to receive extra benefits for optical, physiotherapy and dental treatment when they use private health care services.
The Australian make tremendous efforts to prevent, examine and treat ill health. Emphasis is placed on preventing illness through regular medical and dental checks and good health habits

Medical Treatment Options:

Emergencies

• Emergency treatment can be obtained through some medical centers and emergency ('causality') departments at major hospitals.
• Many doctors' after-hours phone messages describe where you can get emergency medical attention when their surgery is closed.
• There are some emergency phone numbers inside the front cover of the White Pages telephone directory.
• In an extreme emergency, call for an ambulance by phoning 000. You can ask for a translator for your language. Do not hang up.

Ambulances
Ambulances provide immediate medical attention and emergency transport to hospital. The ambulance service is free only to people who are on a government pension or who have a Health Care Card (given to people assessed as low income earners). It can be expensive otherwise, so you may wish to join a private health insurance fund, which covers the cost

Doctors
GPs
If it is not an emergency, you should go first to a family doctor (also called a 'general practitioner' or 'GP') or a medical center. You can choose your own doctor, and there is no restriction on using doctors outside the area you live. Once you have found a doctor who suits you, it is usually best to continue using his/her services. For a list of GPs near where you live, look under "Medical Practitioners" in the Yellow Pages telephone directory.

If you need an interpreter, the doctor can arrange for one for your appointment at no cost to you.

Specialists
Your GP may refer you to a medical or other specialist for further treatment. You cannot visit a specialist without seeing a GP first.
Specialists are also listed under "Medical Practitioners" in the Yellow Pages telephone directory.

Medication
If your doctor believes you need medication, you may be given a prescription to take to a chemist shop (or pharmacy). Many medicines, such as antibiotics, are only available with a prescription. Unless you have a Health Care Card (given by Centre link to low income earners), you will have to pay for medication.

Through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the Australian Government subsidizes the cost of many prescribed medications for everyone. You will be eligible for further financial assistance if you are a pensioner or health care cardholder. If you or your family needs a lot of medications in a year, you should talk to your pharmacist about the Safety Net. If you want to know more about the PBS:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist
• Call the PBS Information Line on 1800 020 613 (free call)
  You can buy some basic medications, without a prescription, at chemists and supermarkets.

Medical treatment options:

Public Hospitals
Australia's public hospital system is funded by both the Commonwealth, and State or Territory Governments, and is administered by the State and Territory health departments.
Public hospitals are located throughout Australia and provide a wide range of medical care for patients. These can include services such as emergency care, surgery, cardiology, radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, nuclear medicine, pathology, physiotherapy, orthopedic, mental health care, as well as a range of Para-medical services.
Smaller public hospitals may not offer all of these services. If the treatment you need is not available, you will be referred to another hospital.

Public hospitals also provide Outpatient Services. This means you can go to a public hospital, with no prior appointment, for medical problems that need urgent medical attention, but which usually do not require you to stay in hospital. If the medical problem is serious, you may be admitted as an in-hospital patient.

Depending on the seriousness of your medical problem and the number of patients waiting for treatment, you can often be required to wait a considerable time before you can be seen by a doctor.

If you choose to be admitted as a public (Medicare) patient, in a public hospital, you will receive treatment by doctors and specialists nominated by the hospital. You will not be charged for most care and treatment.

Private hospitals
Private hospitals are located in all States and Territories of Australia. These hospitals usually provide a range of in-hospital services for patients, similar to those outlined in Public Hospitals above. Private hospitals also offer Day Care medical services.
If you need medical treatment in a hospital and choose to go into a private hospital, doctors and specialists that you nominate will treat you. Medicare will cover a percentage of your doctor's fees. However, it will not cover the cost of your private hospital accommodation. If you intend choosing private hospital care, you would be advised to join a private health insurance fund to help with your costs.
All private hospitals must be licensed within their own State or Territory, and must comply with State Government Regulations.

Dentists
There are private dentists in your local area who usually charge a fee for service. You may wish to take out private health insurance to assist with the payment for dental services.
The State and Territory governments also provide a limited range of free oral health care to eligible Centrelink concession cardholders. Services provided are primarily relief of pain and some basic oral health care, including dentures. Please contact your nearest health clinic or hospital for details of services in your area, and contact Centrelink to see if you qualify for a concession card.

Living in Harmony Initiative
It is been announced the successful applicants under the 2002 Living in Harmony community grants round

The Living in Harmony initiative, administered by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA), demonstrates the Commonwealth Government's serious commitment to promoting community harmony.

National research has confirmed that the overwhelming majority of Australians genuinely respect and value the diverse make-up of our community and support the concepts on which the initiative is based.
Living in Harmony objectives. The initiative is designed to challenge all Australians to:

• Take a stand against racism, prejudice and intolerance
• Help build a peaceful and productive future for our children by setting an example of how to live in harmony, making the most of our racial, cultural, social and religious diversity; and
• Put into practice the best of traditional Australian values - justice, equality, fairness and friendship

The Living in Harmony initiative has been designed so that Australians everywhere can play their part.

The initiative is primarily a community based education program, which encourages communities to play a positive role through the initiative's three linked elements:

1. A community grants program;
2. A partnerships program; and
3. A public information strategy, incorporating Harmony Day held on March 21 each year.

Objectives of the grants program: The overall aim of the community grants program is to develop projects that:

• Promote harmony between people and groups from different cultural, racial, religious or social backgrounds in the local community; and
• Build on positive values held by many people in the community - social harmony, acceptance of others, commitment to Australia, helping in times of crisis, fairness and equality.

In making applications for funding under previous Living in Harmony grants rounds, organizations were asked to identify and to address specific community relations issues within their own organizations, areas of operations, community or locality.

Organizations were invited to develop project proposals that targeted all Australians, but with specific emphasis on involving:

• Young people;
• School communities;
• The media;
• Law enforcement and justice agencies;
• Sporting organizations;
• Workplaces; and
• Rural areas.

On this page, you will find information on the 2002 Living in Harmony annual grants round, and Living in Harmony grants for 1999, 2001 and 2002.