Australia Explained

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.

While the pandemic lockdowns limited access to physical gambling venues, the impact of lockdown hasn’t shrunk the actual offering of gambling products in Australia. Increases in online gambling and wagering app downloads reflect a shift in behaviour, with a worrying spike in gambling issues among younger Australians.

During the COVID-19 pandemic many Australian micro-businesses were forced to implement new digital strategies in order to survive. Digital business experts believe creating competitive advantages are about the ability to evolve, innovate and understand that digital and business strategies are two sides of the same coin.

How have some people remained healthy and energetic amid the pandemic, while others have become ill or demotivated? The secret, according to those who rarely get sick, lies in the mindset and habits that contribute to your overall wellbeing.

Bereavement amid a global health crisis worsens the sense of loss when we are unable to give our loved one a proper send-off. Here’s how people are making sense of their grief within the COVID-19 restrictions.

Retiree plans for housing and accommodation have shifted with the pandemic’s social restrictions and resulting changes in the property market. How will the property market look for retirees and others throughout – and after – the pandemic?

Australia’s first recession in 29 years has financial counsellors busy taking calls from people who have never faced debt problems, and there are concerns debt amid the pandemic may provoke serious mental health concerns.

Caring for a loved one with dementia is challenging at the best of times, but experts say families are struggling more than ever to provide support for their loved ones amid the pandemic.

Many temporary migrants have endured hardship during COVID-19, as found in a recent survey conducted by Unions New South Wales. With 87 per cent of respondents reporting that they had difficulty paying their weekly expenses and 43 per cent skipping meals on a regular basis, we explore some survival tips you may find useful during these turbulent times.

The economic damage inflicted by COVID-19 restrictions has seen over three million Australians dip into their superannuation savings. Whether you need that extra boost in cash or not, financial experts say it is nonetheless a good time to review the state of your superannuation account.

Victoria’s embattled aged care sector is grappling with widespread infections resulting in over 100 deaths amid the coronavirus pandemic. There are lessons for desperate families when considering residential aged care for your loved ones during these trying times.

The pandemic’s economic fallout has the Reserve Bank of Australia predicting the unemployment rate is likely to rise to 10 per cent by the end of the year, affecting not just local workers, but many temporary migrants whose job hunting efforts have become more challenging than ever.

The pandemic has sent shockwaves through businesses that usually thrive in normal times. But the disruptive nature of viral outbreaks has left some distressed owners eager to offload their burden. Is now a good time to buy a business? According to some, with the right strategies and plans in place, you may be in for a bargain.

Men are often taught to stay strong no matter what adversity they face in life. But dreams of resettlement in Australia can sometimes crumble when emotions get out of control and family relationships fall apart. Experts say sharing your feelings isn’t a weakness but a sign of strength.

The calming qualities of greenery may improve and nourish our general physical and mental wellbeing. Many are turning to indoor plants, even growing their own food, to find stability amid social restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic.

Desperate visa applicants are turning to migration agents as their hope for a new life in Australia. But according to some registered migration agents, not all agents can be trusted.

Australians are becoming increasingly reliant on telehealth during the coronavirus pandemic. Statistics from Services Australia show that the total number of telehealth consultations rose from 1.3 million in March to 5.8 million in April. You can make the most of your telehealth session with some simple preparation.