Australia Explained

The Victorian state election is coming up on 24 November. Here’s how to enrol and vote correctly.

Almost half of Australians will experience mental health issues in their lifetime. While we hear more and more about the importance of mental health, a lot of people are still scared or unsure about how to ask for help.

Moving to the country can offer more affordable housing and better job opportunities while fostering community. And all across Australia, programs are created to attract migrants to regional areas.

Around the globe, more than 250 million people live outside their country of birth and many migrants choose to send money to families back home. Australians are also transferring more money overseas than ever before, but the hidden costs can be hefty.

At the last census, there were more than 116 000 people with no permanent home in the country. And with no clear national plan to fight homelessness and a lack of affordable housing, there's no sign of things getting better.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides support to Australians who have a permanent and significant disability. Despite having helped almost 150 000 people, Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse background are left behind.

Here's what you need to know about the recent changes to the parent visas, from where it should be sent to the price increase.

If you're hoping for a comfortable life when you retire, it’s important to learn more about your superannuation now.

The world is experiencing the largest humanitarian crisis since the end of World War II with 65 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Sunday the 17th to Saturday the 23rd of June is Refugee Week in Australia. This year’s theme is #WithRefugees, a call to protect the safety and rights of refugees.

Before you start working in Australia, you need to get a Tax File Number.

Understanding your electricity bill is key to ensuring you're charged the correct amount. If you find mistakes on your bill or you're not able to pay on time, there are ways to get help.

The National Broadband Network, or NBN, is a new way to bring internet and phone services to Australians. By 2020, most homes and businesses will be connected to it.

Anzac Day honours all Australians and New Zealanders veterans, including many from culturally diverse backgrounds. Here’s how you can participate.

The Australian government is introducing a new Child Care Package from 2 July. Here’s what parents need to know to make the transition easier.

How to get a loan when you’re new to Australia.

For a young migrant, an apprenticeship is a great way to get a head start in a chosen career in Australia. An apprenticeship combines time at paid work with training and can be completed full-time, part-time or while still at school.

In Australia, the national minimum wage is set by the Fair Work Commission. Employees cannot be paid anything less, even if they agree to it. But despite being strict rules in place, some businesses still take advantage of their employees, especially when they're overseas students and backpackers.

Playgroups are amazing for children. They can have fun, make friends and develop social and language skills. But parents can get a lot from them too, especially if they're new to Australia.

A good general practitioner, or GP, is worth its weight in gold. But how do you find the right doctor who is qualified, attentive and understands your background?

Medicare is the Australian publicly funded universal health care system. When eligible, you can access a range of medical services for free including care as a patient in a public hospital or lower cost prescriptions.

In Australia, from shopping to organising accommodation and getting paid - not much gets done in cash any more. A bank account is an important tool for a successful life in Australia.

More than five million people have been granted citizenship since 1949. The key step is a ceremony where people pledge their loyalty, and accept the rights and responsibilities as an Australian.

Australia has over ten thousand beaches and summer is the best time to enjoy them. But many new Australians aren't aware of the dangers. So, how do you stay safe in the water?

Australia has over ten thousand beaches and summer is the best time to enjoy them. But many new Australians aren't aware of the dangers. So, how do you stay safe in the water?

Australia is one of the most bushfire-prone lands in the world. With the temperature getting warmer as we're settling into summer, the risk of bushfires is getting higher. So, how do you prepare for bushfires and how do you stay safe?

A fire breaks out in your house - do you know what to do? Many new arrivals to Australia aren't aware of the dangers of home fires.

Australia is a giving nation with almost six million people involved in volunteer work. Research shows that 96 per cent of those who donate their time for the greater good find more happiness in life. But for jobseekers struggling to find work, volunteering can often lay the foundation for future employment.

Australia is a giving nation with almost six million people involved in volunteer work. But for jobseekers struggling to find work, volunteering can often lay the foundation for future employment.

Many Australian women and men are affected by domestic violence. And it's often multicultural communities who face the biggest challenges in getting help.

One in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Family violence can affect anybody, but migrant women face additional barriers when they need to get help.

Since the Government linked immunisation to family payments, Australia’s immunisation rate continues to rise. However, vaccination rates and policies still vary across States and Territories. Experts are calling for a National Immunisation Strategy.

Since the Government linked immunisation to family payments, Australia’s immunisation rate continues to rise. However, vaccination rates and policies still vary across States and Territories. Experts are calling for a National Immunisation Strategy.

Health authorities aim to reach herd (or community) immunity, when enough people are immunised from a disease that an infection cannot spread. However, Australia's immunisation coverage is below herd immunity levels. Now the Australian Government is offering incentive payments to health providers to boost coverage rates.

Navigating the Australian health system, understanding what the doctors say and remembering all the information they give you can be confusing, even if you grew up in Australia. And if you're new to the country it's even harder. But there’s an online tool called My Health Record that can make your life much easier.

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world when it comes to higher education. It's no surprise that 90 per cent of its eligible students take up a loan to pay for university. There are different types of loans, as well as scholarships, to assist students with their fees.

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world when it comes to higher education. It's no surprise that 90 per cent of its eligible students take up a loan to pay for university. There are different types of loans, as well as scholarships, to assist students with their fees.

Australia has been a secular country since federation. The Constitution of 1901 prohibits the Commonwealth government from interfering with the free exercise of any religion. But how far can freedom of religion go in a country where Christians have been the majority since European settlement, whilst 30 per cent of the population has no religious belief?

As an employee, you have clear rights when it comes to pay, conditions and safety. And theres easy ways to report it, if those rights are not respected.

Migrant workers in Australia have the same rights as Australians when it comes to wages, conditions and safety. And there are easy ways to report if those rights are not respected.

Newly arrived migrants are more likely to be jobless than Australian-born workers. Career coaches say the biggest hurdle many newcomers face is their inability to secure an interview despite their qualifications. So, what are the strategies job seekers can employ to get a job interview?

Almost four million Australians are being diagnosed with mental illness each year. But, there are still multiple barriers stopping people from multicultural backgrounds from seeking mental health help.

We work, shop, play and interact with family and friends online. But more Australians are falling victim to online scams than ever before. The Australian Governments Stay Smart Online week reminds consumers of how we can stay safe on the net.

Mental illness is the third highest cause of burden of disease in Australia after cancer and cardiovascular disease. Yet, some migrant communities only use mental health services at a very low rate. Limited knowledge about the available services, cultural stigma and language barriers often turn them away from seeking help.

All Australians have the right to participate as active citizens in shaping the society we live in. However, due to past traumatic experiences some new migrants maybe fearful of speaking up in public and do not know how our democratic processes work.

Qualified translators and interpreters can be a big help when youre new to Australia. They can do a range of things from translating official documents to accompany you to a doctor appointment to make sure you understand what's going on, in your language.

Tax time is when Australians complete their tax returns after the end of the financial year on 1 July. Its the time to check if the correct amount of tax has been paid and if any deductions can be claimed. It can also mean money back in your pocket in a tax refund.

You might be surprised that the majority of overdoses in Australia are from prescription medications, not illegal drugs. The misuse of prescribed drugs is a serious health issue.

The law requires all employers to create a safe working environment to minimise injury and illness in the workplace. However Australian Bureau of Statistics show that during 2013 to 2014, over half a million people suffered a work-related injury or illness. Some occupations are more dangerous than others but culturally and linguistically diverse workers are a high risk group.

Housing, financial difficulties and domestic violence are the top three causes of homelessness, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. SBS takes you to an inner-city park in Brisbane to explore what it means to be homeless.

Talking about death makes many of us uncomfortable. But by avoiding the subject, it might just make things worse when the time comes. Talking with your loved ones about your Will, Advance Care Directive and other wishes is important for you and for them.