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16 September 2010Plan ahead by moving overseas with the experts!
Moving to Australia is not without its ups and downs. To make sure you stay ahead of the game, it pays to be well informed. Everyone wants to start their new life down under with as much money as possible and there are a number of things you can do to ensure you make the most of your funds. Key topics always discussed on the forum include moving your possessions and transferring your money into your new Australian bank account.
Our sister site, Poms in Oz is hosting Live Chat sessions with leading experts in banking, currency exchange and international removals. These sessions will take place today between 8pm-10pm (UK Time). National Australia Bank, Moneycorp and PSS International Removals will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your move.
To take part, use this link – Chat with Industry Experts
Once the chat software has loaded, tick the ‘Guest’ option at the top of the chat window, then choose a username and enter the ‘Moneycorp, NAB or PSS’ chat rooms.
National Australia Bank
Rebecca Joils will talk about the Australian Banking system providing you with some insights as to what is different between the UK and Australia. She will also talk about how straight forward it is to open an Australian Bank account before you leave home and some of the services you should consider.
Moneycorp
Whether you are moving to Australia, or living there already, Jonathan Griffith and John Kinghorn will bring you the latest updates on the Aussie dollar and provide insight into the key factors influencing market movements. Exchange rates are constantly fluctuating and transferring your funds at the right time, via the right channel, can make a big difference to the amount of money you actually end up with.
PSS International Removals
One of the key ingredients when you are moving overseas is the planning of your removal. Liam Witham and John Moynes will be on hand to offer advice and answer any questions you may have regarding the packing and shipping of your household effects, including what items you can ship to Australia, Australian Customs procedures and AQIS. Whether you are importing household effects or just a vehicle, it is never too early to start researching or to start the process.
Live chat seminar on banking, currency exchange and removals
15 September 2010Plan ahead by moving overseas with the experts!
Moving to Australia is not without its ups and downs. To make sure you stay ahead of the game, it pays to be well informed. Everyone wants to start their new life down under with as much money as possible and there are a number of things you can do to ensure you make the most of your funds. Key topics always discussed on the forum include moving your possessions and transferring your money into your new Australian bank account.
Our sister site, Poms in Oz is hosting Live Chat sessions with leading experts in banking, currency exchange and international removals. These sessions will take place on 15 September 2010 from 12pm-2pm and 8pm-10pm (UK Time). National Australia Bank, Moneycorp and PSS International Removals will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your move.
To take part, use this link – Chat with Industry Experts
Once the chat software has loaded, tick the ‘Guest’ option at the top of the chat window, then choose a username and enter the ‘Moneycorp, NAB or PSS’ chat rooms.
National Australia Bank
Rebecca Joils will talk about the Australian Banking system providing you with some insights as to what is different between the UK and Australia. She will also talk about how straight forward it is to open an Australian Bank account before you leave home and some of the services you should consider.
Moneycorp
Whether you are moving to Australia, or living there already, Jonathan Griffith and John Kinghorn will bring you the latest updates on the Aussie dollar and provide insight into the key factors influencing market movements. Exchange rates are constantly fluctuating and transferring your funds at the right time, via the right channel, can make a big difference to the amount of money you actually end up with.
PSS International Removals
One of the key ingredients when you are moving overseas is the planning of your removal. Liam Witham and John Moynes will be on hand to offer advice and answer any questions you may have regarding the packing and shipping of your household effects, including what items you can ship to Australia, Australian Customs procedures and AQIS. Whether you are importing household effects or just a vehicle, it is never too early to start researching or to start the process.
Phil Down Under II
20 August 2010
Property guru Phil Spencer from C4’s ‘Location Location Location’ is taking his property finding and negotiating skills along with a large dose of English charm, down under. He’s heading to the other side of the world to help emigrating Brits find their perfect home in Australia.
In each episode, Phil will be helping one British couple navigate their way through the Australian property system. Phil will help find, survey and negotiate the deal on their dream pad. From harbour-side homes in Sydney and Beach pads in Byron Bay to Ranches in the Outback and Retreats in the Rainforest, no property search is too daunting for Phil.
For the return of this exciting series we are on the hunt for people who are looking to emigrate to Australia before the end of 2010. They must be available and able to buy in November/December 2010. They must have secured approval from the FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) without which they can’t buy property in Australia. If they’ve got the papers and they would like the help of a dedicated team who will assist them find the house of their dreams all they have to do is follow this link http://www.meontv.co.uk/PhilDownUnder and fill in the application form.
Furnished rental accommodation available in Mordialloc, Melbourne, Victoria
6 August 2010At only $450 per week (all utilities included and free airport pick up subject to conditions) We offer a self-contained modern apartment within the boundaries of our house which we built in 2009. The apartment consists of a large bedroom with a double bed, table and two chairs and a tv, a kitchenette (microwave, fridge, toaster, kettle), a bathroom with shower, toilet and basin and an outdoor deck with a table and chairs for your use. It has its own private entrance, so you may come and go as you please.
For further information take a look at: Mordialloc Furnished rental accommodation
Skilled Migrants in Victoria Job Seminars
6 August 2010The seminars will be held in Melbourne and regional Victoria, and will feature a panel of experts to answer questions and cover topics including:
- an overview of the labour market in Victoria for each occupation
- how to prepare for work in Australia
- how to write a resume for an Australian employer
- where workers for each occupation are needed most in Victoria.
Migrants who attend will also have the opportunity to network with a range of industry professionals, recruiters and other industry experts.
Please note that these seminars are for skilled migrant visa holders only. Other interested parties are advised to email seminars@holmesglen.edu.au for further information.
Upcoming seminars
The following seminars are scheduled for 2010:
- Teachers seminar - Wednesday 18 August. Click here to register.
- Engineers seminar - Wednesday 1 September. Click here to register.
- Generic seminar - Thursday 16 September. Click here to register.
- Science professionals seminar - Wednesday 6 October. Click here to register.
- IT professionals seminar - Wednesday 20 October. Click here to register.
- Accountants seminar - Tuesday 16 November. Click here to register.
All enquiries, please email seminars@holmesglen.edu.au
State Migration Plan for Victoria Australia – Update
6 August 2010On 8 February 2010, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced that new arrangements would be introduced for state and territory governments to nominate applicants through the state sponsorship program. The new arrangements require state and territory governments to develop a State Migration Plan which identifies occupations and skill sets eligible for sponsorship, supported by labour market evidence.
Due to the forthcoming federal election, the Victorian Government State Migration Plan will be implemented no earlier than 1 September 2010.
Information about the plan and the sponsorship eligibility list will be available on this website when they are complete. Only occupations included on Victoria’s sponsorship eligibility list will be considered for sponsorship.
Introduction of ANZSCO
On 1 July 2010, DIAC introduced the ANZSCO occupation standard into its business processes and systems, and this will replace the former Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO). The Victorian Government will also implement the ANZSCO occupation standard across all skilled visa sponsorship applications in its records. For further information on the transitional arrangements please see DIAC’s website: www.immi.gov.au/employers/anzsco/
General Skilled Visas Processing Times – Pomsinoz
6 August 2010The migration agents keep up to date with the latest developments in the migration process. To see the latest follow the link here: Pomsinoz Migration Agents
Here is an email one of our members received.
Thank you for your email of 21 July 2010 to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, concerning changes to the Skilled Migration Program, including the implementation of State and Territory Migration Plans. Your email has been referred to me for reply.
As you are aware, on 8 February 2010, the Minister announced the development of individual State and Territory Migration Plans to allow jurisdictions to prioritise skilled migrants of their own choosing. This recognises that each state and territory has different skills requirements. The Department is currently working with state and territory governments to develop the Plans, which will be subject to Ministerial approval prior to implementation.
On 17 July 2010, the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, announced that a federal election would be conducted on 21 August 2010, and as such, the Australian Government has assumed a caretaker role. Under caretaker guidelines, it is convention for the government to avoid making major policy decisions that are likely to commit an incoming government. Implementation of State and Territory Migration Plans, therefore, will be a matter for the incoming government to consider at a time after the election.
Similarly, other proposed changes to the Skilled Migration Program will be a matter for the incoming government. This would include the possible implementation of any outcomes from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s review of the General Skilled Migration Points Test.
Thank you for writing on this matter.
Yours sincerely
Peter Speldewinde Assistant Secretary Labour Market Branch
Rental Property Shortage in Melbourne over the last 5 years
6 August 2010A review of the state of the rental market over the past decade highlights the problems that every renter knows: the rental market is in a severe state of imbalance, with too few homes and increasing rents.
A few facts will help to show this. In April the vacancy rate for Melbourne was 1.6 per cent, bringing to 64 the number of months since it was above two per cent, in December of 2005. Over this time the vacancy rate was, on average, 1.4 per cent compared with an average of 3.6 per cent in the first half of this decade.
Similar vacancy rates were reported in regional Victoria – except for the first half of the decade, when there were fewer vacant rental homes than in Melbourne.
It is clear that a fundamental shift occurred in the rental market five years ago, when the State’s population started to increase – an increase that has not been met by a commensurate increase in new homes.
From the perspective of a renter, that shift is best expressed in the increase in rental costs. According to the Victorian Office of Housing, in the first half of this decade the Metropolitan Rent Index increased by 20 per cent and then by 45 per cent in the second half.
Rents have not risen to the same degree in regional Victoria, with a 32 per cent increase in the Regional Rent Index in the first half the decade compared to 26 per cent in the second half.
The only solution to this problem is an increase in the construction of new homes in existing town centres and in the city’s growth corridors.
Moving to Australia – What do the Australians ask of us?
6 August 2010Australia is a very multi cultural country but you do hear now and again that Australians don’t like the poms in oz. This is not true at all, here are some ideas on how to integrate easier.
1) Do NOT complain about Australia – Australians are very proud of their country. You have to remember that no where is perfect and if the UK was so perfect you wouldn’t be contemplating
this move Down Under. If you can accept that not everything will be perfect in Australia then you will be happy. Remember you don’t want to sound a whinging pom.
2) One of the worst mistakes poms can make is when they start saying things like, we do it this way in ther UK, this is better in the UK, I prefer the UK because…
It may be true, but if the UK was so good why did you leave? If you keep going on about how good things were back home you may be told to head off back there.
We all miss things from back home and there are probably things we hate about our new country. When you just arrive it can be quite hard to focus on the positives of Australia and to remember
the negatives about the UK– but that is what you need to do if you want to make Australia home.
3) Learn Aussie Rules and barrack for Collingwood – no seriously, Australians love their sport and you need to start barracking for Aussie Teams (ok maybe we should make an exception for the Ashes)Don’t rubbish the Australians when it comes to ANY form of sport. There is no other nation when it comes to cricket, rugby,
4) Stop complaining about the weather, the Brits are known for complaining when it’s raining or cold but then also complain when the sun comes out to play.
5) Don’t live in Ghettos, yes unfortunately the Brits are well known for sticking together, if other nationalities did this in the UK there would be an outcry.
Aussies understand that it may be easier to make friends with your fellow poms, but you need get out there and start mixing with the Aussies and get involved with your local community
6) Australians are happier for Britons to emigrate to Australia than most other countries, the reason being is that we speak English, we share the same values and are
keen to adapt to the Australian way of life. So get involved in your new country, embrace the Australian way off life.
7) Another reason why us Poms are generally better accepted than any other race in Australia is because
we are either bringing skills or money to the nation and are not a drain on the nation’s resources.
Australians are confused about why we choose to make Australia home
but choose to keep hold of their British passport. When it comes time for you to make the choice, why don’t you
choose Australian citizenship if you really want to be a citizen of Australia?
9) Don’t take things personal. The Aussies love to have friendly banter with the Brits and just because they call you a pom does not mean they don’t like you. After a couple of years in Oz you will start referring to yourself as a Pom.
10) Remember to love your new life! You chose Australia for very good reasons – from the way of life offered to the work/life balance
enjoyed, from the weather and climate to the economic climate, from the employment landscape to the natural landscape – love where you’re
living and let it be known that you’re happy to be in Australia and living the Australian way of life. After all, if you genuinely
don’t like it, you are free and encouraged to leave!
Australian Dollar weekly news
25 June 2010Last week’s UK data were uninspiring but did no great damage. News that the Chinese yuan could strengthen helped SE Asian currencies and the Australian dollar.
It was not quite five-a-day for sterling but the British economy managed to put together the best part of a handful of statistics every day. Monday’s economic growth and deficit estimates marked the first outing of the shiny new Office for Budget Responsibility, a triumvirate of economists whose task is not to lie about the country’s fiscal position in a way that politicians might be tempted to do. The figures were heartening. Growth projections for the economy in the next couple of years, although lower than those of the Labour government, were credible. It also transpired that Britain’s borrowing needs could be smaller than Alistair Darling had feared.
Tuesday’s inflation figures came in on the low side of expectations. The consumer price index went up by +3.4% in the year to May, less than the +3.5% analysts had predicted and less still than the previous month’s +3.7%. Wednesday’s employment data looked good on the surface, with the rate of unemployment ticking down to 7.9% and a 31k reduction in the number of dole claimants. There was also modest excitement at news of 5k more people with a job. However, those 5,000 jobs were among 61k part-time appointments; the number of full-time jobs fell by 56k. More than a million people are in part-time positions because they cannot find full-time work.
Thursday’s retail sales data provided another interesting social comment. Sales were +0.6% higher in May but the Office for National Statistics drew attention to the uplift cause by the football world cup. There was concern that the footy-related sales (shirts, St George’s flags with ‘ENGLAND’ across the middle of them, television sets) would mean an upturn in British imports and further deterioration of the trade balance. Friday’s money supply and public sector borrowing figures showed the number of mortgage approvals still stalled at a low level and another £16 billion of government borrowings in May.
A four-day week in Australia made no appreciable difference to the AUD, in that the week began with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s meeting minutes instead of investors spending Monday looking forward to them. The minutes contained no bombshell; rather, the RBA’s message was that there would be no change to interest rates until at least August. Whilst conscious of the dangers of a Euroland-inspired austerity slowdown the RBA is more concerned with domestic inflation. A high number in July could yet provoke an August rate increase. Dwelling commencements (housing starts) and Residex’s house price index both slowed the pace of their previous increases but maintained what analysts described as ‘solid’ growth.
At the weekend, news that the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) would loosen its hold on the Chinese yuan was positive for the currencies of regional suppliers and trading partners, including the Australian and NZ dollars. The renmimbi has been held at 6.83 yuan to US$1 for nearly two years. Prior to the financial crisis the Chinese authorities had supervised a progressive revaluation that allowed it to strengthen from 8.25 to 6.83 over a period of three years. This latest announcement, that the PBOC will ‘strengthen the flexibility’ of the exchange rate suggests a resumption of that earlier strategy.
By far the most important event for sterling this week will be Tuesday’s budget (or ‘emergency’ budget as the chancellor chooses to describe it). George Osborne and his colleagues have gone out of the way to manage expectations downwards for this fiscal responsibility fest. Their aim is to make us grateful if we come out of the exercise still able to put food on the table. No doubt it will be a tougher budget than Britons have seen for many a long year. Nor can there be much doubt that a robust show of prudence will help to preserve the country’s triple-A credit rating. The worry, however, is that the budget might be so harsh as to undermine investors’ confidence in the economic recovery.
We should know by the middle of the week what the market thinks of it all. Until then, there is little point in speculating about Mr Osborne’s plans. Buyers of the Australian dollar should go into Tuesday with a 50% hedge of their total requirement and should consider on Wednesday what to do about the balance.
For more information and expert guidance on the currency markets go to www.moneycorp.com where you can open a free, no obligation Trading Facility.
