Australia Explained

In Australia, workplace codes of conduct differ from company to company, but some standard unwritten rules are generally followed in most businesses and industries. There are also a few unspoken rules in the Australian workplace that can evolve into a set of social norms. Here is how to navigate and familiarise yourself with these unwritten rules when starting a new job.

Cold weather does not mean a pest-free home. Some pests, like termites, remain active all-year round and winter is peak season for mice and rats preferring your house instead of outdoors. Bed bugs and cockroaches are also on the list of invaders to look out for. Infestations have wide-ranging consequences, including hygiene risks and even home devaluation. Learn how to prevent, identify, and deal with them.

Understanding and respecting Indigenous knowledge of medicine may be the key to providing more holistic and culturally sensitive care in today's healthcare setting.

Experts say that dealing with bullying behaviours is never easy but always necessary, as the harm caused can impact children for years. To provide up-to-date advice on supporting a child experiencing bullying at school or online, we consult specialists in education, psychology, and cyberbullying response.

Every day, pedestrians across Australia break the law without knowing it. This can result penalties and occasionally accidents. Stay safe and avoid an unexpected fine by familiarising yourself with some of Australia’s common pedestrian laws.

Are you familiar with Australia’s legal system? As a federation of six states and two territories, Australia has laws that apply nationally, as well as laws specific to each jurisdiction. Additionally, there are parallel structures of federal and state courts. Learn the basics of how the legal system works, from understanding Australian laws to accessing legal assistance.

Major regulatory changes in 2024 have brought about restricted access to vaping products in Australia. The crackdown on what is dubbed a “major public health issue” could lead to an increased number of teens seeking support to overcome the nicotine addiction, experts think. Learn about the health risks and ways to help young people in their quitting journey.

Aggressive driving is a continuum of bad driving behaviours which increase crash risk and can escalate to road rage. People who engage in road rage may be liable for traffic offences in Australia, have their car insurance impacted and most importantly put their lives and those of others at risk. Learn about the expectations around safe, responsible driving and what to do when you or a loved one are involved in a road rage incident.

Observing the cultural protocols of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an important step towards understanding and respecting the First Australians and the land we all live on.

In Australia, 30 June marks the end of the financial year and the start of tax time. Knowing your obligations and rebates you qualify for, helps avoid financial penalties and mistakes. Learn what to do if you received family support payments, worked from home, are lodging a tax return for the first time, or need free independent advice.

Many common household items such as mobile phones, TVs, computers, chargers, and other electronic devices, including their batteries, contain valuable materials that can be repurposed for new products. Electronic items we no longer use, or need are considered e-waste. Across Australia, there are government-backed programs available that facilitate the safe disposal and recycling of e-waste at no cost.

Teaching in Australia offers stable career and professional growth opportunities, making it an attractive field for aspiring educators and career changers.

Embracing their oral traditions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have used art as a medium to pass down their cultural stories, spiritual beliefs, and essential knowledge of the land.

Australia is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which provides extensive protections to religious freedom. However, specific legislated protections vary across jurisdictions. If you have experienced religious discrimination at work, it is important to know your options, whether you are considering submitting a complaint or pursuing the matter in court.

Australians are coffee-obsessed, so much so that Melbourne is often referred to as the coffee capital of the world. Getting your coffee order right is serious business, so let’s get you ordering coffee like a connoisseur.

Are you an expectant or new parent? You or your partner may experience the so-called ‘baby blues’ when your baby is born. But unpleasant symptoms are mild and temporary. Postnatal depression is different and can affect both parents. Knowing the difference and how to access support for yourself or your partner is crucial for your family’s wellbeing.

The Frontier Wars is a term often used to describe the more than 100 years of violent conflicts between colonial settlers and the Indigenous peoples that occurred during the British settlement of Australia. Even though Australia honours its involvement in wars fought overseas, it is yet to acknowledge the struggle that made it the country it is today.

In Australia, authorities strongly advise against eating mushrooms that have not been expertly identified or purchased from a supermarket or grocer, as some fungi can be toxic or deadly if consumed. In each State and Territory, rules and regulations vary, and mushroom foraging is not allowed in some areas.

Australians have access to a quality and affordable public healthcare system. There's also the option to pay for private health insurance, allowing shorter waiting times and more choices when visiting hospitals and specialists.

The land holds a profound spiritual significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, intricately intertwined with their identity, belonging, and way of life.

All parents and carers want to ensure their children travel safely when in a car. In this episode, we explore some of the legal requirements and best practices for child car restraints to ensure that children have the maximum chance of survival in case of a crash.

Every week, impassioned Australians take to the streets, raising their voices in protest on important issues. Protesting is not an offence, but protesters sometimes test the limits of the law with extreme and antisocial behaviour. The chance of running into trouble depends on where you’re protesting and how you behave.

Australia is the driest of all inhabited continents with considerable variation in rainfall, temperature and weather patterns across its different climate zones. Here's why this vast land boasts one of the planet's most unique climates.

Easter holds great significance for Christians. Yet, for those of different faiths or non-religious backgrounds, it presents a chance to relish a four-day weekend, partake in family and social gatherings, engage in outdoor activities, and attend events where children take centre stage. Here's your essential guide to celebrating Easter in Australia.

Bankruptcy can be complicated for many people, as it can bring about feelings of financial shame and stigma. However, it may be the only way to alleviate financial distress in some cases. If you struggle to manage your debts, filing for bankruptcy could be an option.

Understanding the diversity within the First Nations of Australia is crucial when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and building meaningful relationships.

As Muslims in Australia and around the world observe Ramadan, a month-long period of devotion and fasting, in this episode, we explore the religious significance of this holy month.

When coming across an advertisement for a job that interests you, understanding the subsequent steps is crucial. Preparing the requisite documentation and comprehending the recruiter's expectations will enhance your likelihood of securing that position.

In an era where information travels at the speed of light, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between true and false. Whether deemed false news, misinformation, or disinformation, the consequences are the same - a distortion of reality that can affect people's opinions, beliefs, and even important decisions.

Around three million Australians have a government loan through HELP, the Higher Education Loan Program. You too may be eligible to defer your tertiary tuition fees until you secure a job.

Weaving is one of the most complex and sophisticated examples of First Nations technology and culture. It produces objects of beauty, and the process itself has deep cultural significance. Weaving is a way to share knowledge, connect to people and country, invite mindfulness, and much more.

Under the Australian Family Law Act, couples in a de facto relationship are treated similarly to married couples. But what are their legal rights and obligations in case of separation, and what are the benefits and criteria for establishing a de facto status in the first place?

"Lunar New Year", also known as the "Spring Festival", has become a significant part of Australian culture. The celebration is so popular that Sydney's version is considered the largest outside Asia.

Starting a business in Australia has several advantages. These include support for innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business growth through infrastructure, a skilled workforce, government initiatives, grants, funding, and tax incentives.

In Australia, most job opportunities aren't openly advertised, so to find work, we must understand the Australian labour market and create our own opportunities. Tapping into the hidden job market and learning about migrant employment services can help break down the barriers to employment.

First Nations advocates help amplify the voices of Indigenous communities in Australia. Here are some aspects to consider related to advocacy and “allyship” with First Nations communities.

Australian Boxing Day is a unique blend of cultural and commercial significance. While it doesn't have a solid religious connotation here, it's a day when Australians extend their Christmas festivities. It's often a time for family barbecues, cricket matches, and watching the iconic Sydney to Hobart yacht race. On the other hand, many Australians look forward to this day to sweep the stores for the best bargains.

Australia celebrates summer Christmas with beach visits, barbecues, and outdoor activities, creating a unique blend of traditional festivities and summer cheer.

Make your festive season celebrations unique by incorporating native Australian ingredients into dishes and drinks.

Listening to what your body needs is important throughout the year, but it becomes even more crucial during extreme weather. Here are some essential tips to beat the Australian summer.

Australia has thousands of kilometres of spectacular coastline, and a trip to the beach for a swim is a much-celebrated part of the lifestyle – whether to cool off, keep fit, or to socialise. Being aware of beach safety is vital to minimise the risk of getting into trouble in the water. This includes understanding the threat that sharks pose to minimise the chance of encountering a shark and being aware of shark behaviour, so you know how to react to stay safe.

Whether a child has experienced trauma overseas or in Australia, whether it occured recently or in the distant past, with the appropriate assistance, a child can recover. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in helping children regain a sense of safety and well-being. Here are some steps and strategies for parents to support their child's recovery from trauma.

Australians are known for their laid-back culture and seize every opportunity to celebrate special occasions. But it's not only business events that come with etiquette rules to follow; every party, no matter how casual, has its unspoken cultural expectations.

Many men are taught to remain strong in the face of adversity. However, when pursuing their dreams of resettlement in Australia, things can take an emotional toll, leading to strained family relationships and shattered aspirations.

As more Australians than ever seek ways to manage their living costs, many are turning to personal loans. When shopping for options, it's important to research and carefully consider your circumstances before signing on the dotted line.

Australia’s long-term emissions reduction plan sets out to address climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuels, and together, everyone can make a difference to achieve it.

Do you have a neglected musical instrument sitting at home? Perhaps you want your child to experience the countless benefits of music lessons. Or maybe you’ve always longed to play in a group. Whatever the reason, learning to play an instrument is enjoyable and a social experience, with opportunities all around you.

Australians throw more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing into landfill each year. That’s an average of 10 kilograms of clothing per person. We can help combat Australia’s textile waste crisis by choosing to recycle, donate, and swap our unwanted clothing.

Australia is home to an enormous variety of animal and plant species. Getting involved in a BioBlitz allows one to investigate what species exist in a particular area and expand scientific knowledge.

Depending on where you live in Australia, selling a second-hand car differs. Regardless of your state or territory, the following checklist can help you navigate your vehicle selling experience successfully and stress-free.