Australia – MAIS

PART 1: COUNTRY PROFILE

A. NAME OF THE COUNTRY

Official Name: Commonwealth of Australia
Abbreviation: AUS or AU

B. NATIONAL FLAG

C. GEOGRAPHY

Australia is the smallest continent and one of the largest countries in the world. It lies between the Pacific and Indian Oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia’s capital is Canberra, located in the southeast between Sydney and Melbourne's more extensive and vital economic and cultural centers.

Most Australian cities and farms are located in the southwest and southeast, where the climate is more comfortable. There are dense rainforests in the northeast. The famous outback (remote rural areas) contains the country's largest deserts, with scorching temperatures, little water, and almost no vegetation.

The Great Dividing Range runs around Australia's eastern and southeastern edge. This 2,300-mile (3,700-kilometer) stretch of mountain sends water down into Australia's most important rivers and the Great Artesian Basin, the largest groundwater source in the world.

D. CLIMATE

Australia is an arid continent. In winter, the snowfields of Tasmania and the Mount Kosciuszko area can be extensive. Still, Australia is an extremely hot country, which results in high evaporation losses and reduced effectiveness of rainfall. In addition, the severity of climate, the predominance of the outdoors in the minds and lives of many, and the national importance of agricultural and pastoral pursuits all make Australians more climate-conscious than most. In no country of comparable development do climate and weather loom so prominent in the lives and conversations of the people.

The principal features of Australia’s climate stem from its position, shape, and size. Australia is mainly a compact tropical and near-tropical continent. No major arms or embayment of the sea penetrate far into the landmass. The only extensive uplands occur near the east coast, and even they are not, by world standards, very high.

E. PEOPLE

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the estimated population of Australia is 26,821,557 as of 30 September 2024. Australia is one of the world's most ethnically diverse nations. Nearly a quarter of the people who live in Australia were born in other countries. They come from the United Kingdom, other European countries, China, Vietnam, North Africa, and the Middle East.

F. LANGUAGE

Although English is not Australia’s official language, it is the de facto national language and is almost universally spoken. Nevertheless, there are hundreds of Aboriginal languages, though many have become extinct since 1950, and the surviving languages have very few speakers. Mabuiag, spoken in the western Torres Strait Islands, and the Western Desert language, have about 8,000 and 4,000 speakers, respectively, and about 50,000 Aboriginal people may still have some knowledge of an Australian language. The languages of immigrant groups in Australia are also spoken, most notably Chinese, Italian, and Greek.

G. RELIGION

Recorded religious adherence has generally mirrored the immigrants’ backgrounds. In every census since the early colonial era, most Australians have professed to be Christian, principally Anglican and Roman Catholic, but simple materialism has become more influential than Christianity. In the early 21st century, more than one-half of Australians identified themselves as Christian; about one-fourth was Roman Catholic and one-fifth Anglican. Smaller proportions belonged to other Protestant denominations (notably Uniting Church, Presbyterian, and Reformed), and there were also small groups of Jews and Hindus. The proportions registering as Orthodox Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists increased sharply in the late 20th century. Almost three-tenths of Australians professed no religion. In contrast to the European settlers, traditional Aboriginal communities are intensely spiritual.

H. POLITICAL SYSTEM

Australia’s constitution, which can be considered crudely an amalgam of the constitutional forms of the United Kingdom and the United States, was adopted in 1900 and entered into force in 1901. It established a constitutional monarchy, with the British monarch represented locally by a governor-general, the reigning sovereign of Australia. Likewise, Australia adopted the British parliamentary model, with the governments of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Australian states chosen by the members of the parliaments. Like the United States, Australia is a federation, and the duties of the federal government and the division of powers between the Commonwealth and the states are established in a written constitution.

Under the constitution, the federal government is responsible for defense, foreign policy, immigration, customs and excise, and the post office. Those powers not given to the federal government in the constitution (the “residual powers”) are left to the states, which are responsible for justice, education, health, and internal transport. In keeping with federalism, the constitution can be altered only by majorities in both federal houses of the legislature, followed by a referendum that gains the consent of a majority of all the electors and a majority in at least four of the six states. The High Court of Australia resolves constitutional disputes.

Although the British monarch is Australia’s formal head of state, the sovereign’s functions are almost entirely formal and decorative, and, except when the monarch is in Australia, they are exercised by a governor-general who resides in Canberra and by the state governors. Although formally, the governor-general and the governors are appointed by the monarch, they are invariably recommended by the Australian government. By convention, the prime minister (the party's leader or coalition of parties victorious in the general election) is the country’s head of government.

I. ECONOMIC SYSTEM

Australia boasts a prosperous, Western-style capitalist economy with a per capita GDP among the highest in the world. The services sector accounts for the largest share of GDP, although agriculture and mining significantly contribute to exports. The country has a high standard of living. It regularly ranks close to the top in global comparisons of national performance on metrics such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights.

J. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

The Australian education system is distinctive in that it is highly privatized in both the school and higher education sectors compared to other countries' systems.

The Australian education system is broadly structured as follows:

● Primary School: seven or eight years, starting at Foundation (also called kindergarten/preparatory/pre-school) through to Year 6 or 7
● Secondary School: four years from Years 7 or 8 to 10
● Senior Secondary School: two years from Years 11 to 12
● Tertiary Education: includes higher education and vocational education and training (VET).

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national framework that covers qualifications in post-compulsory education. It has ten levels and links school, vocational, and higher education qualifications into a single national system, allowing easy movement from one level of study to another and between institutions.

K. NATIONAL ANTHEM

Advance Australia Fair is Australia's national anthem, adopted on April 19, 1984. It was first officially proposed in 1974 to replace “God Save the Queen,” the national anthem from 1788 to 1974. In 1984, it was designated the royal anthem to be played at public appearances of members of the British royal family.

The original music and lyrics were composed by a Scottish-born Australian, Peter Dodds McCormick (1833-1916), and first performed in Sydney in 1878. In 1977, in a countrywide public opinion poll to choose a national tune, “Advance Australia Fair” won out over three other contenders, including “Waltzing Matilda.”

Advance Australia Fair Lyrics

Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are one and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil,
Our home is girt by sea.
Our land abounds in Nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage
Advance Australia fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
“Advance Australia Fair.”

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We’ll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
“Advance Australia Fair.”

PART 2: IMMIGRATION POLICIES

A. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. Passport

A valid passport is one of the travel documents required to enter Australia.

2. Visa

Anyone who is not an Australian citizen needs a valid visa to enter the country.

Australia grants most New Zealand citizens an electronic Special Category Visa (subclass 444) (SCV) on arrival into Australia. This is subject to meeting health and character requirements. New Zealand citizens who hold a travel document other than a New Zealand passport are not eligible to be granted an SCV on arrival and should apply for an alternative visa before traveling to Australia.

The type of Australian visa varies depending on the purpose of the traveler. The following are the major types of Australian visas:

a. Visitor Visas: These visas allow you to enter and stay in Australia for tourism, business visits, or to visit family and friends.

Type of Visitor Visas:

● Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
● eVisitor (subclass 651)
● Transit Visa (subclass 771)
● Visitor (subclass 600)
● Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
● Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

b. Student and Training Visas: Australia offers student visas, including a visa for their guardian and a training visa for those who want to improve their skills or area of expertise.

Type of Student and Training Visas:

● Student Visa (subclass 500)
● Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)
● Training Visa (subclass 407)

c. Family and Partner Visas: These visas allow you to live in Australia with your partner or family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Type of Family and partner visas:
● Adoption Visa (subclass 102)
● Aged Dependent Relative Visa (subclass 114)
● Aged Dependent Relative Visa (subclass 838)
● Aged Parent Visa (subclass 804)
● Carer Visa (subclass 836)
● Carer Visa (subclass 116)
● Child Visa (subclass 101)
● Child Visa (subclass 802)
● Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 884)
● Contributory Aged Parent Visa (subclass 864)
● Contributory Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 173)
● Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143)
● Dependent Child Visa (subclass 445)
● New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (temporary) Visa (subclass 461)
● Orphan Relative (subclass 117)
● Orphan Relative (subclass 837)
● Parent Visa (subclass 103)
● Partner (Provisional and Migrant) Visa (subclass 309 100)
● Partner Visa (subclass 820 801)
● Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300)
● Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 115)
● Remaining Relative Visa (subclass 835)
● Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa (subclass 870)

d. Working and Skilled Visas: These visas allow you to work in Australia temporarily or permanently. The visas vary depending on occupation, skills, and sponsorship arrangement.
Type of Working and Skilled Visas:

● Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) Visa (subclass 888)
● Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) Visa (subclass 188)
● Business Owner (subclass 890)
● Global Talent Visa (subclass 858)
● Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
● Investor Visa (subclass 891)
● Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191)
● Pacific Engagement Visa (subclass 192)
● Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
● Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) Visa (subclass 494)
● Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
● Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
● Skilled-Recognised Graduate Visa (subclass 476)
● Skilled Regional (provisional) Visa (subclass 489)
● Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 887)
● Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
● State or Territory Sponsored Business Owner Visa (subclass 892)
● State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa (subclass 893)
● Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408)
● Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
● Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (subclass 403)
● Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400)
● Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)

e. Refugee and Humanitarian Visas: These are the visas for those seeking refuge in Australia.

Type of Refugee and Humanitarian Visas:

● Global Special Humanitarian (subclass 202)
● Protection Visa (subclass 866)
● Refugee Visa (subclass 200, 201, 203 and 204)
● Temporary Protection Visa (subclass 785)
● Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (subclass 790)
● Resolution of Status Visa (subclass 851)

To check visa details and conditions, visit Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) https://online.immi.gov.au/evo/firstParty?actionType=query

B. PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD

An Australian permanent resident and an Australian citizen are not the same.

As a permanent resident of Australia, you generally can:

● remain in Australia indefinitely
● work and study in Australia
● enroll in Australia’s national health scheme, Medicare
● apply for bank loans to buy property
● sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
● apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
● travel to and from Australia for as long as your travel facility permits. (Please see Overseas travel as a permanent resident.)
● attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program
● work in New Zealand

You can become a permanent resident of Australia by applying for and being granted a permanent visa that allows you to remain in Australia indefinitely. The most common permanent visas include some skilled work and family visas.

C. ACQUISITION OF CITIZENSHIP

Australian Citizenship Act 1948 recognizes that a person can be an Australian citizen by birth, adoption, descent, or naturalization.

1. Acquisition by Birth

A person born in Australia after the commencement of the Australian Citizenship Amendment Act 1986 shall be an Australian citizen by virtue of that birth if and only:
● a parent of the person was, at the time of the person’s birth, an Australian citizen or a permanent resident; or
● the person has, throughout 10 years commencing on the day on which the person was born, been ordinarily resident in Australia.

2. Acquisition by Adoption

Children adopted by Australian citizens may acquire Australian citizenship, subject to certain conditions.

3. Acquisition by Descent

Australian nationality law recognizes citizenship by descent, which means individuals born outside of Australia, may acquire Australian citizenship if at least one of their parents is an Australian citizen at the time of their birth.

4. Acquisition by Naturalization

Foreign nationals who meet specific criteria can apply for Australian citizenship through naturalization.

Grant of Australian citizenship requirements:

● the person is a permanent resident;
● the person has attained the age of 18 years;
● the person understands the nature of the application;
● the person has been present in Australia as a permanent resident for a period of, or for periods amounting in the aggregate to, not less than one year during the period of 2 years immediately preceding the date of the furnishing of the application;
● the person has been present in Australia as a permanent resident for a period of, or for periods amounting in the aggregate to, not less than 2 years during the period of 5 years immediately preceding the date of the furnishing of the application;
● the person is of good character;
● the person possesses a basic knowledge of the English language;
● the person has an adequate knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of Australian citizenship; and
● if granted a certificate of Australian citizenship, the person is likely to reside or continue to reside in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with Australia.

D. SPONSORSHIP

A Family Sponsored Visa Australia enables you to sponsor an eligible family member for either a temporary, provisional, or permanent visa to Australia.

Sponsorship requirements vary across the various family-sponsored visa subclasses. The most common aspects include:

● The prescribed degree of your relationship with your family member (e.g., partner, parent, or child);
● Your Australian immigration status (e.g., whether you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen);
● The circumstances relating to your residence in Australia (e.g., whether you are settled and/or usually resident in Australia);
● Sponsorship bars and limitations may apply (e.g., restrictions are imposed on the number of times you can act as a sponsor for a partner or prospective marriage visa);
● Your age (generally, you are required to be at least aged 18); and
● You may also be required to satisfy a character requirement.

E. LAWS AFFECTING SPOUSES OF CANADIAN CITIZENS

1. Legal Separation

Legal Separation, also known as a separation agreement or a decree of separation, is a formal legal process that involves the court. In this type of separation, the couple may still be legally married, but they live separately and have a legally binding agreement on issues such as property division, child custody, and financial support. A legal separation may be used as a precursor to a divorce, or the couple may choose to stay separated without getting a divorce.

In Australia, legal separation is not required before divorce, and couples may apply for divorce directly.

However, legal separation can be an option for couples who are not yet ready for a divorce but wish to have a formal agreement regarding their separation.

2. Annulment

An annulment or a declaration of nullity is a finding that there was no legal marriage between the parties, even though a marriage ceremony may have occurred.

Grounds for an annulment in Australia:
● Bigamy
● Prohibited relationship (the parties are close relatives)
● Fraudulent marriage ceremony
● Lack of real consent
● Either of the parties was underage during marriage

3. Divorce

Divorce is the legal end of a marriage (dissolution of marriage). Australia has ‘no fault’ divorce. This means the Court does not consider the reason/s for the marriage ending when granting a divorce. Neither spouse needs to prove that the other did (or did not) do something that caused the marriage breakdown.

The only ground for divorce is that the marriage broke down and there is no reasonable chance that the parties will get back together. The granting of a divorce does not determine issues of financial support, property division, or arrangements for children. It is simply a formal recognition that the marriage has ended.

4. Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is defined in Family Law Act 1975. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia take family violence very seriously.

The guiding principles of the Courts in responding to family violence concerns:

● Safety is a right and a priority for everyone.
● Family violence affects everyone in a family.
● The Courts have a particular concern about both the immediate and longer-term impacts of family violence on children.
● Family violence can occur before, during, and after separation. This may affect an individual's ability to make choices about their family law matters and participate in court events.

Examples of behaviors that may constitute family violence include but are not limited to:

● assault (including sexual assault or other sexually abusive behavior)
● stalking
● repeated derogatory taunts
● intentionally damaging or destroying property
● intentionally causing death or injury to an animal
● unlawfully depriving the family member, or any member of the family member’s family, of their liberty
● unreasonably denying the family member the financial autonomy that they would otherwise have had, or
● unreasonably withholding financial support needed to meet the reasonable living expenses of the family member or their child at a time when the family member is entirely or predominantly dependent on the person for financial support and
● preventing the family member from making or keeping connections with their family, friends or culture.

Not all family violence involves physical violence. It can take many forms, such as sexual violence and coercion, emotional abuse (including denigration), financial abuse, and spiritual or cultural abuse.

Family Advocacy and Support Services
Each Australian state and territory has a Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS). FASS provides free legal advice and support at court for people affected by domestic and family violence.
● familyviolencelaw.gov.au/fass
● 24/7 Crisis line: 1800 737 732

F. DEPORTATION

A person can be forcibly removed from Australia in two ways, either by deportation or by removal. Deportation of a person requires a specific deportation order to be made under Section 206 of the Migration Act 1958, and it is used only for Australian permanent residents. In contrast, removal is an automatic process for those in immigration detention. It does not require any specific order to be made.

Deportation is used for permanent residents and certain New Zealand citizens who are not Australian citizens.

Grounds for deportation:

● you have been convicted of certain serious crimes and received a prison sentence; or
● you are considered to be a threat to Australia’s security.

You can be removed from Australia if you are an unlawful non-citizen.
Grounds for Removal:

● you remain in Australia after your temporary visa has expired;
● you have entered Australia without a visa;
● you entered Australia by misrepresentation. This includes entering with a passport or other travel document that was forged or obtained by false representation or entering with a passenger card that contained false or misleading information;
● you have breached a condition of your visa, and your visa has been canceled; or
● your visa has been canceled as you no longer meet the character test and, you did not provide representations to have the cancellation revoked.

If the minister personally canceled your visa on the grounds of not meeting the character test, you may have a right to judicial review.

PART III – LABOR LAWS

A. GENERAL LABOR POLICIES

1. Working Hours
Under Australian laws, employees work up to 38 hours a week, or 7.6 hours (7 hours, 36 minutes) daily.

These are classified as regular hours of work, and time worked outside of these hours can attract overtime, higher rates of pay (“penalties”), or be counted as time off in lieu to be taken later.

In most workplaces, staff are only required to work up to five hours with at least a 30-minute meal break. Many workplaces also provide additional breaks, such as morning tea.

The minimum age for working in Australia depends on the state or territory, but it is generally 14 or 15 years old.

Check the minimum age that can work in your state or territory:

● Australian Capital Territory (Canberra, ACT) – ACT Government Community Services on 13 22 81
● New South Wales (NSW) – NSW Office of Industrial Relations on 13 16 28
● Northern Territory (NT) – NT Government on (08) 8999 5511
● Queensland (QLD) – QLD Government on 13 74 68
● South Australia (SA) – SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255
● Tasmania (TAS) WorkSafe TAS on 1300 366 322 (within Tasmania) or (03) 6166 4600 (outside Tasmania)
● Victoria (VIC) – Wage Inspectorate Victoria on 1800 287 287
● Western Australia (WA) – WA Wageline on 1300 655 266 (within Western Australia) or (08) 6251 2100 (from interstate).

The working hours for underage workers in Australia also vary depending on the state or territory.

2. Minimum wage

As of 1 July 2023, the National Minimum Wage is $23.23 per hour or $882.80 per week.

Employees covered by an award or registered agreement are entitled to the minimum pay rates, including penalty rates and allowances in their award or agreement. These pay rates may be higher than the National Minimum Wage. For more information on the wage review process, visit Fair Work Commission - Annual wage reviews.

3. Leaves

The National Employment Standards (NES) provide minimum leave entitlements for employees. An award, registered agreement, or contract of employment can provide for other leave entitlements, but they can’t be less than those in the NES.

Employees can take leave for various reasons, including:

● to go on a holiday
● because they are sick
● to take care of sick family members
● because of family and domestic violence
● when they become a parent.

Sick and carer’s leave: Paid carer’s leave is available to full-time and part-time employees. It can be availed when they need to look after a family member or a member of their household who needs care or support because of a:
● personal illness
● injury, or
● an emergency.

Compassionate and Bereavement leave: Full-time and part-time employees receive paid compassionate leave. They are paid at their base pay rate for the ordinary hours they would have worked during the leave.

Parental leave: During parental leave, employees can receive payments from the Australian government, their employer, or both.

Family and domestic violence leave: All employees, including full-time, part-time, and casual employees, can access 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave each year.

The entitlement to paid family and domestic violence leave comes from the National Employment Standards (NES).

Other Leave:

● Public Holiday
● Long service leave
● Community service leave

For further information regarding leaves and their aspects in Australia, access https://www.fairwork.gov.au/leave

4. Retirement Age

The Age Pension is designed to support the basic living standards of older Australians. It is paid to people who meet age and residency requirements. Through the means test, it is targeted to those who need it most. Pension rates are indexed to keep pace with Australian prices and wage increases.

The pension age is being gradually increased from 65 to 67 years as set out in the table below.

B. EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN WORKERS

The Department of Home Affairs manages and administers work visas for overseas workers.

There are two ways to employ an overseas worker:

● Employ a non-citizen already in Australia whose visa allows them to work. This could be an international student or a working holiday visa holder.
● Sponsor a skilled worker who lives overseas or temporarily in Australia for a work visa on a permanent or temporary basis.

It is the employer's responsibility to make sure the employees are eligible to work in Australia. Even if a non-citizen has work rights in Australia, there may be restrictions on the amount and type of work they can do.

C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS

In Australia, it is unlawful to discriminate based on several protected attributes, including age, disability, race, sex, intersex status, gender identity, and sexual orientation in certain areas of public life, including education and employment.

Australia's federal anti-discrimination laws are contained in the following legislations:

● Age Discrimination Act 2004
● Disability Discrimination Act 1992
● Racial Discrimination Act 1975
● Sex Discrimination Act 1984.

Complaints of unlawful discrimination can be lodged with the Australian Human Rights Commission and relevant state and territory agencies.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has the statutory power to receive, investigate, and conciliate complaints of unlawful discrimination under Australia's anti-discrimination legislation. You can lodge a complaint with the Commission if you believe you have been unlawfully discriminated.

Australian Human Rights Commission Contact:

● Respect@Work Information Service: Enquiries can be made by phone on 1300 656 419 (Option 1) or in writing, including by email.

Monday to Friday 10 A.M to 4:00 P.M AEST/AEDT

Phone: 1300 656 419 (Option 1)
Email: respect@humanrights.gov.au
Fax: 02 9284 9611
TTY: 1800 620 241 (toll free)
National Relay Service: 1300 555 727 (Speak and Listen)
Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450

● National Information Service
Monday to Friday 10 A.M to 4:00 P.M AEST/AEDT

Phone: 1300 656 419 (Option 2) or 02 9284 9888
Email: infoservice@humanrights.gov.au
Fax: 02 9284 9611
TTY: 1800 620 241 (toll free)
National Relay Service: 1300 555 727 (Speak and Listen)
Translating and Interpreting Service: 131 450

● National Relay Service: for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.

If you are placing this call from within Australia, please contact the NRS Helpdesk for assistance:

TTY: 1800 555 630
Voice: 1800 555 630
Help desk email: helpdesk@relayservice.com.au

● Reception: 1300 369 711

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM AEST/AEDT

Each state and territory has also enacted anti-discrimination legislation. Depending on the circumstances of the complaint, individuals can lodge complaints about discrimination, harassment, and bullying with the relevant agency in that state or territory.

PART IV – SOCIAL SECURITY LAWS

A. SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

The legislative, policy, and administrative framework of social security in Australia comprise the Social Security Act 1991, the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, and the Social Security (International Agreements) Act 1999.

Australia's social security program pays flat-rate retirement, survivors, and disability benefits to qualified individuals. To qualify, persons must meet income and assets tests. Australia generally considers the income and assets of both members of a couple who are married or in a registered or de facto relationship.

1. Social Insurance Programs

a. Retirement Benefits (Age Pension)

To qualify for Australia’s Age Pension, a person must:

● be at least age 67 years old; and
● have at least 10 years of residence in Australia between the age of 16 and the minimum retirement age, including a continuous period of at least five years (some exceptions apply).

b. Disability Benefits (Disability Support Pension)

To qualify for Australia’s Disability Support Person, a person must:

● be between the age 16 and the minimum retirement age;
● be permanently blind or have a physical, intellectual, or psychiatric impairment;
● be unable to work or be unable to be retrained for at least 15 hours per week within two years due to impairment; and
● be an Australian resident for at least 10 years, including a continuous period of five years; there is no minimum residence requirement if the disability occurs while the person is a permanent resident in Australia (some exceptions apply).

2. Health Insurance and Health Services

a. Medicare

Medicare is Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. It guarantees all Australians (and some overseas visitors) access to a wide range of health and hospital services at low or no cost.

Medicare helps Australians with the costs of the health care they need, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.

Medicare subsidizes the costs of:
● hospital services
● medical services
● tests, imaging, and scans.

3. General Assistance Programs

● Crisis payment: A one-off non-taxable payment if you’ve experienced an extreme circumstance and are in severe financial hardship.

The following crises are eligible for this assistance:

○ you experienced an incident of family and domestic violence that forced you to leave your home
○ you stayed in your home after experiencing domestic violence, and the family member responsible left or was removed from the home
○ you had to leave your home because of a natural or other disaster not covered by a disaster relief payment
○ you arrived in Australia as a humanitarian entrant for the first time
○ you were in prison or psychiatric confinement for at least 14 days.

● Bereavement payment: If you receive an eligible pension, benefit, or allowance, this can help you adjust to changed financial circumstances after the death of someone you know or care for.

● Pensioner Education Supplement:

Eligibility for this program:

○ getting a payment from us or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs that has this benefit as an add-on
○ studying an approved course
○ a full-time student or, in special circumstances, a part-time student

● Commonwealth Rent Assistance: a non-taxable income supplement payable to eligible people who rent in the private rental market or community housing.

● Concession and health cards: The Australian Government's primary purpose in issuing concession cards is to provide access to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescription items and certain Medicare services at a cheaper rate.

● Utilities Allowance: a supplementary allowance to help certain income support recipients with utilities bills, such as electricity and gas.

● Pharmaceutical Allowance: helps eligible income support recipients buy prescription medicines available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

● Telephone Allowance: assists specific income support recipients with the cost of maintaining a home or mobile telephone service.

● Remote Area Allowance: helps to meet additional costs associated with residence in remote areas. It is payable to recipients of a social security pension, allowance, or benefit in Ordinary Tax Zone A (including, with certain exceptions, Special Tax Zone A) and Special Tax Zone B.

● Energy Supplement: provides assistance with household expenses, including energy costs to pensioners and income support recipients.

● Essential Medical Equipment Payment: This payment is available to assist eligible people who have additional home energy costs due to the need to operate essential medical equipment in their homes or medically required heating/cooling to manage their disability or medical condition.

PART V – SETTLEMENT CONCERNS

A. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

A. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

A tax file number (TFN) is a unique number that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issues. It is generally used for taxation and superannuation purposes.
Only the following individuals, organizations, or agencies can ask for your TFN:

● the ATO
● your employer
● banks and other financial institutions
● the Department of Human Services (which runs the Centrelink, Child Support, and Medicare programs and is allowed to ask for your TFN if you receive personal assistance payments such as a pension, a benefit, or an allowance)
● superannuation funds and retirement savings account providers.

The ATO may use your TFN to identify you when you:

● lodge a tax return
● apply for a personal assistance payment, such as a pension, benefit or allowance
● start a new job
● have a savings account or investment that earns income
● receive a payment under the Higher Education Loan Program
● join a superannuation fund.

Australian residents TFN Application

Australian residents can apply for a TFN at any age. The fastest way to apply is online using myGovID. However, you must be 15 years old or older and have a passport to apply online using myGovID.

Options to apply
● apply at Australia Post – using the online form and presenting your identity documents
● apply at a Services Australia center – using the paper form
● apply by post – using the paper form.

You can also check our alternative options for:
● Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – if you cannot provide enough identity documents for other application options
● Norfolk Island residents – if you're on the island and unable to apply online.

Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants, and temporary visitors – TFN application

Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants, and temporary visitors can apply for a TFN online using Individual Auto Registration (IAR).

You can apply for a TFN if you meet all the following three conditions:

1. You are a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant, or temporary visitor.
2. You are already in Australia.
3. Your visa is one of the following:
● a permanent resident visa
● a visa with work rights
● an overseas student visa
● a visa allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely (including New Zealanders automatically granted a visa on arrival).

To apply for IAR online, you must have a valid passport or relevant travel documents. If you do not have a valid visa, you can't apply for a TFN.

B. BANK ACCOUNT

If you are travelling to Australia from overseas, opening an Australian bank account online is possible and, in most cases, very easy and inexpensive.

There are four big banks in Australia: National Australia Bank (NAB), Commonwealth Bank (CBA), the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ Bank), and Westpac. All four allow non-residents from overseas to open an Australian bank account online, and you can even do this before you get to Australia.

Steps on opening an Australian bank online while overseas:

● Go to the bank website you have chosen. From there, you can fill in the details they need. Most banks have contact numbers if you prefer to do it over the phone. Just make sure you're calling within Australian business hours.
● If you are not in the country yet, know your arrival date in Australia. Sometimes, you must provide this date to the bank when you apply for an account.
● Have a permanent Australian address. Banks require proof of residency; not all will accept an overseas one when you complete your application.
● Scan and upload all requested documents, including your passport and visa.
● Once approved online and when you are in Australia, head to your nearest branch to verify your documents and complete your application.

When applying online for an Australian bank account, you must submit documents proving your identity and right to work and earn in Australia.

The required documents are the following:

● Passport
● Visa
● Proof of address
● Tax information, e.g., TFN (Tax File Number)
● Employer details and salary

After opening your account, you must visit your chosen branch to verify your identity.

In this appointment, the bank may ask for documents such as:

● An Australian residential address if you provided an overseas one on your online application
● An Australian Medicare card or National Identity card (or other form of ID, e.g., birth certificate)

C. WHERE TO GET HELP

Triple Zero (000) is Australia’s main emergency service number. If you need urgent help from police, fire, or ambulance services, call 000.

You should only call 000 when:

● someone is seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help
● your life or property is being threatened
● you have just witnessed a serious accident or crime
If the situation is not urgent, you should call the number of your local police, fire, or ambulance service.

Other emergency service numbers
Australia also has two other emergency service numbers, but they only work on some services:

● 112 can only be dialed on a mobile phone
● 106 can only be used with a teletypewriter (TTY) or a device for people who are physically-challenged. 106 is a text-based emergency service number for people who have disabilities in hearing or speech.

D. ENGLISH CLASSES

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is a free service that helps eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants with low English levels, improve their English language skills and settle into Australia.

Learning options

The AMEP provides a range of flexible learning options to help you study, including full-time, part-time, evening, and weekend classes.

It offers face-to-face and online classes, a volunteer tutor scheme, and distance learning. The AMEP provides free childcare services for parents of under-school-aged children while their children participate in face-to-face classes.

Find out more about the AMEP by reading:

AMEP Fact sheet
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/amep-subsite/Files/amep-learn-english-for-free-factsheet.pdf

Eligibility:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/amep/information-in-languages

You can also:

● phone the information line on 131 881 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call
● contact the nearest Adult Migrant English Program service.

E. DRIVER'S LICENSE

As a Federation of independently governing states, the various state and territory governments set the legal requirements regarding driver’s licenses and legal driving in Australia and driver’s license programs.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Foreign nationals residing in the ACT must obtain an ACT Driver’s License to drive a motor vehicle or motorbike. Your overseas or international driving permit is valid for only three months before moving to the ACT.

Driver’s license holders from approved countries can apply for an ACT driver's license without the requirement to pass a written or practical driving test; drivers' license holders from non-approved countries are allowed to do so.

New South Wales

A permanent Australian resident or holder of a permanent visa under the Commonwealth Migration Act 1958 who intends to reside in NSW can drive with an overseas license for three months. After the validity expiration, the person must apply for a NSW license. Certain recognized countries can apply for a NSW Driver’s License without passing a written or driving test.

Victoria

A temporary visa holder is not required to obtain a Victorian driver’s license and can use an overseas driver’s license throughout the holder’s stay in Victoria.

Permanent visa holders may use an overseas driver’s license provided that it is written in English or is with an English translation or international driving permit for:

● 6 months from the date of arrival in Australia if the permanent visa was issued before entering Australia
● 6 months from the date of permanent visa issuance if the visa was issued while in Australia

After that period, the permanent visa holder must get a Victorian driver’s license. Once the overseas driver’s license has expired, a driving test is still available, while it is exempted from obtaining a learner’s permit for the test.

Queensland

A resident visa holder or a new Australian who has resided in Queensland for three months must get a Queensland Driver’s License.

South Australia

A permanent visa holder who has become a resident must get a South Australian driver’s license within three months. Once a South Australian learner’s permit or driver’s license is issued, an overseas driver’s license is considered invalid and may be required to surrender it.

Western Australia

For permanent residence visa holders, driving is allowed for up to 3 months in Western Australia. Applying for a WA driving license after this period will be necessary.

Temporary residence visa holders (e.g., 457 visa holders) can drive with their recognized international driver’s license for as long as the license and their visa are valid.

Northern Territory

A resident or visitor in the Northern Territory can drive with an interstate or overseas license for up for 3 months.

Terms:

● the license is current and written in English
● the driver has not been disqualified from driving in the NT or anywhere else
● the driver will carry the license at all times while driving

Tasmania

A visitor, temporary or permanent visa holder, is allowed to drive in Tasmania as long as the visa has not been issued for more than three months.

Note:

Information on applying for a driver’s license in Australia varies depending on the state or territory. It is highly advised to visit the website of your state for comprehensive details.

PART VI – SUPPORT NETWORK

REFERENCES