Australia Explained

Starting a small business is an exciting venture, but it’s a one that comes with numerous challenges. Let’s take a look at how you can make this process simpler and more gratifying.

Australia is a sporting nation, and one of the most exciting ways to integrate into Australian society is through sports - bringing enormous health and social benefits for everyone involved. Here is what you need to know about the four most popular sporting codes.

Private health insurance helps people avoid long wait times for non-urgent procedures and lets them access services that Medicare does not cover. But out of pocket costs may be a deterrent for many people to use it to pay for their medical costs.

A variable loan offers more flexibility and comes with redraw and offset facilities, whereas a fixed-term loan keeps the interest repayments stable during the fixed term. But if you need to break the fixed term, the extra cost may be significant.

With changes in the social security laws set to take effect from 1 January 2022, new permanent residents will have a four-year wait period before they can access most government payments.

With lockdowns in Melbourne and Sydney extended, gyms and other training facilities remain out of bounds for people. And a loss of social connection and restricted time outdoors means it’s not just one’s physical health but also mental well-being that may be taking a hit.

People with mental illnesses are more likely to develop physical illnesses. If ignored, mental health issues can worsen and lead to other disorders. But with timely help, one can regain control and come back with renewed spirit.

Taking care of one's physical and mental health paves the way for better holistic well-being down the track. But it's not always easy to do so, especially for women juggling career and household responsibilities. But here's how you can include self-care in your routine.

Stemming from historical injustices, Indigenous disadvantage continues to affect First Nations people resulting in shorter life expectancy, poor health and education outcomes and disproportionately higher incarceration rates.

If you are studying or working and have young children at home, you can access subsidised childcare in Australia. There are different care options available, depending upon whether you satisfy the activities test, and the level of government subsidy depends on your family income.

Family migration makes up almost half of Australia’s annual permanent migration intake this year. With different visas allowing Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones on Australian soil, here’s what you need to know about Australia’s family stream visas.

A recent report has found that one in four permanent skilled migrants in Australia are working in jobs below their skill level, costing them and the economy hundreds of millions in foregone wages every year. In this segment of Settlement Guide, we look at some practical ways for new migrants to find employment that matches their skill level, qualifications and work experience.

The buy now, pay later services may have made buying products easier for consumers, but with their increasing popularity and almost ubiquitous presence, concerns are growing that some users may get caught in a debt spiral.

Every five years, a count is taken of every person and home in Australia in the national Census of Population and Housing. The data collected from over 25 million people will help the governments, businesses and community groups to make informed decisions about infrastructure and services for Australians. However, some people may be concerned about sharing their personal information and the safety of their private data. In this episode of Settlement Guide, General Manager of the Census, Chris Libreri, is answering questions about these issues.

Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Program doubled in size in 2020-21, with over 13,500 visa places in the annual migration program. Over the years, the program has delivered billions of dollars in investment in Australia and provided a pathway to permanent residency for investors, innovators and migrants with business skills. Now, for the first time since 2012, the government has made some significant changes to the program, including slashing the number of visa streams and subclasses from nine to four.

From 1 July 2021, Australia's business and investment visa requirements are changing, applications for Australian citizenship will cost more, a new agriculture visa is being introduced later in the year, and partner visa applicants and their permanent resident sponsors will have to pass an English test. Find out about all the visa and immigration changes coming into effect in the financial year 2021-22.

NAIDOC Week is celebrated each July to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme Heal Country! calls for greater protections for the Aboriginal lands, water, sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration and destruction. So, this episode of Settlement Guide looks at ways of exploring and learning about important Indigenous sites within easy reach of our cities.

Superannuation is a mandatory savings scheme designed to help Australians save money that they can use in retirement. However, experts warn that migrant workers who do not pay attention to their super may be losing their savings to unnecessary fees and charges.

Many Australians want to adopt children from other countries, who otherwise don’t have an opportunity to be part of a family. Australia has adoption agreements with several countries, but the process of adopting a child from overseas is lengthy and requires a strong commitment.

If you are looking for an academically challenging environment for your high-achieving child, you might consider one of the selective entry high schools in Victoria, NSW, Queensland or Western Australia. These are highly competitive and result-oriented schools that nurture academic excellence in high-performing students. But some experts say the pressure to continue to perform at a high level may harm the students' mental health.

Many Australians underestimate the importance of having a will, believing they are not wealthy or old enough to need it. But experts say you should start thinking about having one as soon as you become an adult. You can get legal help or use a Do-It-Yourself will kit, but there are certain things to keep in mind while preparing a will.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to acknowledge the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and take action to build positive relationships with one another.

The demand for residential properties has swelled amid the government incentives for homebuyers and record-low interest rates, which have driven up prices and competition among buyers. In such a competitive housing market, it’s easy to miss signs of serious problems with the property. So, here's what you need to know when you are out looking for your first home.

An international study predicts that three in five jobs will require advanced digital skills by the year 2030. But a recent RMIT report shows that one in four Australian workers don’t have the skills to operate in a rapidly digitalised work environment. This highlights a significant skills gap amid increasing automation in the economy.

Observing road rules is critical to the safety of all road users. As traffic laws can vary across different states and territories, they can sometimes be confusing for motorists, especially if they are travelling interstate. In this episode of Settlement Guide, we discuss such little known road rules, some of which may appear bizarre but can cost you a big fine.

Global Talent Independent Visa Program is designed to attract the 'best and brightest' minds to help grow Australia's innovation and tech economies. While there's no requirement to sit for English language tests, such as IELTS or PTE, and no formal skills assessment is required, this pathway is reserved for individuals with exceptional skills and a track record of international repute. If you meet these criteria, you may get permanent residency in Australia within a few months under this program.

Anti-domestic violence campaigners are calling for criminalising controlling behaviours that often prove key precursors to physical violence in a relationship. But, multicultural support workers say gaps in legislation and services are failing migrant victims on temporary visas as many feel trapped in abusive relationships due to cultural barriers, but also a lack of immigration pathways and gaps in support services.

Do you ever think of what you once dreamt of becoming as a child? Revisiting our childhood dream can sometimes bring a new spark in life. For some, it may even present an opportunity to leave a legacy.

Australia's permanent migration program currently offers 160,000 visas every year, with the biggest share reserved for skilled applicants. The points-tested skilled permanent visas are highly competitive, with the number of applicants outstripping supply by a big margin. In this episode, we take a look at how the skilled permanent residency pathways work in Australia.

The Federal Government is aiming to ease Australia's responsible lending laws, hoping it will help stimulate the economy. But with the onus of assessing the suitability to take on debt set to be placed back on a borrower, experts warn it is more important than ever to borrow responsibly.

Have you ever purchased a used car and later found that it required expensive repairs? This is not uncommon, especially if you are not a skilled technician who knows how to inspect a vehicle thoroughly. But doing your homework and following some tips can help you find a safe and reliable car that suits your needs and budget.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual in multiple ways. It is internationally recognised every year on April 2 and has three most common classifications: Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Autism Spectrum Australia says nearly one in 80 Australians live with some form of autism, which is an estimated 40 per cent increase since 2014.

All foreign citizens must have a valid visa to stay in Australia. If someone doesn't leave the country when their visa ceases, they become an unlawful non-citizen and may be detained and deported from Australia. Staying in Australia without a visa can also have consequences for further visa applications, including a three-year exclusion period during which another Australian visa cannot be granted.

New research reveals that two in five Australians are concerned about hygiene in their workplace, while more than a quarter have become anxious about germs since the start of the pandemic. With more workers returning to on-site work, employers and employees can manage the return-to-work stress with these small but important steps and make their workplace COVID-safe.

Rock fishing is a popular activity in Australia, with over a million keen anglers climbing the rocks for their catch each year. But being unfamiliar with conditions can expose one to a high risk of injury or even death, making it very dangerous. Nearly 200 rock fishing-related deaths have been recorded in Australia since 2004, which safety experts believe could have been avoided by observing some simple safety measures.

The Federal Government has relaxed application requirements and visa criteria for international students to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for overseas students. Now, with the Temporary Graduate visa, international students have an opportunity to access longer stay in Australia to gain valuable work experience and explore a pathway to permanent residency.

A sea or tree change is an Australian dream for many retirees who seek a slower and more relaxed lifestyle in a smaller seaside or inland community. It seems that COVID-19 has accelerated many people’s decision, with the latest ABS data showing that capital cities suffered the biggest quarterly net loss on record last September, losing 11,000 people to regional towns. Here are some helpful points if you’re contemplating the big move.

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians are trapped in a vicious cycle of increasing debt while relying on multiple personal loans to cover their household bills and living costs. So, how do you live in debt and proactively manage your financial commitments?

Prior to COVID-19, Australia’s mature workforce was already battling ageism with 68 per cent of employers indicating that they were unwilling to employ workers over 50 in a 2018 survey by the Australian Human Resources Institute.

Going back to normal school life can be an exciting or anxious time for children after the summer holidays. Here are some tips for parents to help your children ease into a new school year.

‘Voice’, ‘recognition’, ‘sovereignty’ and ‘treaty’ have become a significant part of the language used to discuss the development of Australia's relationship with its Indigenous peoples. For most people these are just words but for First Nations people, they symbolise hope for a better and more inclusive future, with more involvement in the decisions that directly affect their lives.

Managing bushfire risk to your home and family means being prepared. Experts advise that people who live in bushfire-prone areas need a plan for an emergency.

Firefighters face many dangers every day and they suffer unpredictable disruption to their personal life. Australia heavily relies on volunteer firefighters for the protection of homes and communities. So, how do you become one of these real-life national heroes?

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Australia’s beaches, rivers and waterways, but many new arrivals who are not familiar with water safety rules can put their life at risk. These safety guidelines for swimming, boating and fishing can help prevent drowning incidents and save money on fines.

Australia is gearing up for a wetter summer season with above average rainfall across the eastern parts of the country. Experts are warning people to exercise caution near flood-prone areas.

Australia has just experienced its hottest November on record. While La Niña is expected to bring a wetter summer season, the Bureau of Meteorology, also predicts that heatwaves will last over a prolonged period. Experts warn to take extra precaution indoors and outdoors to prevent sun and heat-related health problems.

Celebrations of important family, cultural and religious occasions have had to adjust to the social distancing rules and travel bans in 2020. While some are eagerly awaiting the easing of restrictions to reunite with loved ones, others are busy strategising new ways to celebrate the survival of an especially tough year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to reassess, reconfigure and reinvent the way we work. With flexible work arrangements expected to become the norm, employers will be playing a more active role in managing employees’ engagement and wellbeing.

Social etiquette is no longer the same in the highly infectious coronavirus environment we find ourselves in. Keeping a physical distance, sneezing into your elbow, and regular hand washing are just some of the new norm.

With Australian domestic tourism down $21.7 billion compared to last year, 2020 is like no other in the tourism world. But if your travel plans have been disrupted, technological advancements may now enable the world to come direct to you.