All About First Home Owners Grant In Australia
July 29, 2008 by Mira · Leave a Comment
What do the Australian First Home Owner’s Grant, and Police tracking down dangerous criminals, have in common? Both recognize how precious it is to have your own home…
It is a commonly known fact that the police team in search of criminals always keep a lookout near their home… Sooner or later the cozy comfort of a home and the love of it’s occupant is bound to drag the criminal back into home.
Such is the great attraction and affection a home generates that even the most stone hearted are compelled to return to it for a moment or two of solace. What better way to encourage responsible citizenship than to provide a safe harbour in which he moors his castle of fantasy?
Moreover, right since the beginning human society in general, and family groupings in particular have always felt the necessity of a shelter which could protect them from natural as well as man made storms.
Always striving to provide his family the much needed fortification the caveman zealously guarded the caves and even befriended the dog to perform the duties for him. Times have changed but the urge for shelter remains, and even today one of the major dreams of any human is to have a home of their own and settle down nicely and enjoy the vagaries of life.
It is not only the individual but also society which has understood and accepted the necessity of providing proper housing facilities to each of its members which would finally lead to a happy and content culture. Governments have taken this up on behalf of society and encourage individuals to construct and enjoy their own home.
The Australian Government too realized the need of a helping hand for its populace as far as home building was concerned and came up with unique promotional and incentive scheme which encourage the people to have a house of their own. The First Home Owner’s Grant scheme was thus created to encourage residence possession and also to create a conducive atmosphere for the industry infrastructure and thus the economy.
No Means-Testing
Coming into effect from July 2000, the First Home Owner’s Grant is an open-ended scheme which helps any first time home owner, irrespective of the price of the house being constructed. Thus one may construct a house worth $50,000 or $1,000,000 the amount of grant remains the same. The First Home Owner’s Grant is not means-tested and neither is it restricted by the cost of the proposed property.
How to Apply for a First Home Owner’s Grant?
The grant can be obtained through a number of lending institutions and banks that are a part of the approved agents list. Infact, the grant also provides the added incentive of an additional payment if certain criteria are met by both the spouses. This is also sometimes referred as the first home bonus. The best part of the scheme is that one is not required to apply separately for the bonus but is automatically entitles to it once the application for First Home Owner’s Grant is submitted.
Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1
Invest In Australia? Now Is The Time!
July 28, 2008 by Mira · Leave a Comment
For those with money to invest in Australia , now is the right time…Australia is experiencing an upward growth cycle. This offers significant opportunities for international businesses and welcomes foreign direct investment and investors. All the major cities are seeing a rise in their indices. Economists expect this trend of upward growth to continue for many more years to come.
Services Sector
The country is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals and natural gas. But the economic prosperity in this country has been dominated by the services sector. Australia’s Service industries have expanded in recent decades more than that achieved in other countries.
Focus on Reforms
The country lays emphasis on reforms and has been modernized which has led to financial deregulation. The per capita income of Australia is much higher than other countries. The inflation rate has been quite low. The standard of living has improved considerably. Unemployment is very low and there is a sustained budget surplus. The IMF has commended this milestone which no other country has been able to achieve.
600,000 New Jobs
The business sector is vital to the country - creating more than 600,000 jobs and providing confidence to businesses through the structure of its institutions. Australia has thus become a destination favored by investors.
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The governance system is strong and transparent.
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It offers low barriers to trade and investment.
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The country has been ranked by the World Bank as the second easiest economy in which to start up a business.
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The infrastructure is extensive and provides easy transport corridors, power, and other utilities.
International Business
The country has now become home for citizens from over 200 countries and the work force is multi-lingual and skilled. There are many international business opportunities in Australia thanks to low tariffs and minimal barriers to entry. The country is ready to adapt to social changes and technological advancements thus inviting investment of skills, knowledge and enterprise. It welcomes global information networks.
The country has been an extensive user of Information and communication technology, with sophisticated financial systems and transparent markets which help investors to really look forward to invest in Australia. Financial services are one of the fastest growing sectors of Australian economy.
Don’t Lose Out - Invest!
With all these major advantages and the government encouraging investment, for those able to invest in Australia at this time, it is a wise decision which no one should hesitate to take.
Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1
Medicare In Australia
July 25, 2008 by Mira · Leave a Comment
Health, a simple word, can give sleepless nights, if not taken good care of. A chirpy toddler, when silent and subdued, sends shivers down the mother’s spine - for it is a direct indication that all is not well with the child’s health system. We may boast of numerous dreams and achievements but at the core of our heart we thank the Almighty without fail for providing us with a healthy body which takes care of the rest. Health then, is central to every human activity.
No wonder we say health is wealth!
When Tragedy Strikes…
Tragedies tend to have an edge over us, mainly due to the surprise factor. Health tragedies are the worst since they are physically demanding as well as mentally draining, not to mention the finances involved. It is at times like these that one wishes for a medical/ health cover which could protect and guide the family during these hours of crisis.
Medicare Australia, as the name suggests, is an Australian Government agency which has been formed with a noble aim to play a central role as far as the Australian health sector is concerned. With an objective to assist and guide the Australian population in maintaining and improving health, Medicare Australia plays a stellar role in the well being of the nation.
Heathcare Policy
A good healthcare policy is a must for any nation wherein the basic medical care facilities are assured to the citizen.
The Medicare program of Australian Government has been created keeping in view the most basic requirements in healthcare for:
- child and general immunization
- organ donation
- rural healthcare
- veteran’ affairs
- family assistance
- etc
Working hand in hand with the Department of Health and Ageing, Medicare Australia strives to achieve the Government’s health policy objectives. A defined government policy framework governs the healthcare programs.
Universal Healthcare System?
The universal health care system was started in 1984 wherein every eligible Australian resident was assured of accessible, affordable as well as high-quality health care. The citizens, on their part, are expected to contribute to the cost of health care as per the payment ability.
The scheme is financed through an income-related Medicare levy and progressive income tax and assures free treatment to any public patient (under Medicare) in any public hospital, and no charge treatment or subsidized treatment to the patient by medical practitioners.
The medical practitioners may include specialist such as general practitioners, participating optometrists or dentists.
Timely Help for the Needy
The results of these healthcare schemes have been heart warming with provision and timely help to the needy.
Taking the program a step further, the vast world of the web has also been effectively utilized to circulate the latest information related to Medicare:
- online query management
- availability of related forms for application and claim
- various medical publications and guidelines
- specific and useful information for various medical practitioners
- safe and secure submission (electronic) of medical claims and payments through secure channels
- information in various languages supporting the entire spectrum of population, and
- information related to the location and identification of Medicare Offices within the country
Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1
Tips on Investing in Real Estate in Australia
July 10, 2008 by Mira · Leave a Comment
For Australians, investment in housing is a national symbol of security. If you have a job for more than 6 months, it is easy to buy a house in Australia. Banks are the buyres’ main source of finance. The Government encourages this by providing long-term financial backing.
There are people in Australia who buy 2 to 3 houses in Australia and let them out for rent which will take care of the mortgage repayment.
Young & Old
Youngsters in Australia show interest in buying houses where they are planning to settle down. They sell the house if they are moving to another place. Older people tend not to retain their house for a long time. Once the mortgage is paid off, they’ll sell the house, buy a smaller one and invest the remaining amount for their old age expenses.
Capital Growth?
For example, if you have invested in the Australian Sunshine Coast about 5-6 years ago, the value of your investment would have gone up many times by now. Why? - The growth in number of immigrants has pushed the prices upwards. As the reports show, “Figures to September show annual growth in medium house prices of more than 13 per cent in Hobart and Brisbane, 19 per cent in Adelaide and over 22 per cent in Canberra. The absolute standout has been Melbourne, surging 33 per cent. For the real estate industry, it’s a beautiful set of numbers.”
Here is one more report on the real estate investment in Australia: Mayor Gary Baildon said he had never seen such a boom in property prices. “It’s unprecedented, I’ve never seen it this lively…and I’ve been here since 1960″.
A market survey says that the momentum for investment in Australia has picked up since the beginning of this year. The Australian Financial Review (one of top financial publications in Australia), 11th January 2006 reports:
“Residential rental property yields in 2006 will improve markedly as contracts are renegotiated to reflect tightening vacancies, property analysts have predicted. Vacancy rates are at the lowest for several years in most capital cities due to pent-up demand and reduced house and apartment completions.”
As in any real estate investments, there are a few precautions to be taken by the investors:
- Check local newspapers
- Talk to a real estate agent in the area
- Contact the local council and Main Roads Department
- Research the Body Corporate (if applicable)
- Seek financial advice
- Re-evaluate regularly
Foreign investors will also need to be familiar and well versed with Australian Federal Government’s foreign investment policy.
If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia and if you want to buy real estate in Australia, you must get the prior approval from the Australian Government.
You should not sign contracts before you receive foreign investment approval, unless the contract is conditional on such approval. You must apply in writing for prior approval to buy real estate.
Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1
Australian Study Grant For Working Woman
July 7, 2008 by Mira · Leave a Comment
reposted from Wealth Creator Magazine
Working women who don’t have qualifications are being given a boost by the government to enhance their career prospects, in an effort to advance the female workforce. Australia’s mentorship program for working women, My Mentor, has partnered with Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE, and the Federal Government to help women access a $4000 contribution to mentoring and a qualification in business.
The grant will enable women throughout Australia, with no formal business qualifications, to undertake vocational education training and/or RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) assessment to achieve a Certificate IV in Business, valued at $2500.
“Women need not be scared by the thought of studying, as Recognition of Prior Learning through the TAFE program will mean that many of their existing skill sets and experience will earn them credit toward the Cert IV program,” said Maureen Frank, Emberin Managing Director, and My Mentor creator.
Ms Frank is urging organisations that employ women with no formal business qualifications to take advantage of the $4K government grant to support the professional development of their female staff, a group who have a huge impact on a company’s bottom line.
“The cost to Australian companies losing their female employees is around 1.5 times the salary they are paid – for some organisations this is millions of dollars every year,” she said.
Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE will work with women anywhere in Australia who are Australian residents, via on-line study methods to help them complete the Certificate IV in Business, valued at $2,500.
“The balance of the $4K funding can then be used to pay for the My Mentor program, any other adjunct learning’s required to complete the Certificate or into a pool within the organisation to support the training and development needs of other women,” Ms Frank said.
With the funding likely to be cut from July 1st 2008, interested ladies who sign up prior to that date will be eligible to commence their study later in the year with the $4000 grant being paid to their employer for their training needs.
Consisting of a DVD, CD and comprehensive workbooks, it was developed to combat the serious issue faced by women in the workforce leaving to have children or to achieve better workplace conditions and mentorship.
by Joanne McCulloch
Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1
A Wholesome Life in Australia
July 4, 2008 by Mira · Leave a Comment
Australia, the smallest continent on earth, surrounded by Indian and Pacific oceans, has of late become the destination people want to settle down in because of various factors.
The people of Australia, called Aussies, take great pride in the multifarious aspects of their country like culture, stability, wealth, and infrastructure that’s easily available. They are by nature friendly, helpful, with a sense of humor but a bit withdrawn initially also.
Once they are familiar with you, they are open and you can talk on any subject.
East or West – The Coast is the Best!
The majority of people live in the coastal areas because the interior of Australia is mostly deserts and water is scarce there.
There has been a boom in the Australian industry sector for the past 5-6 years and thus has invited people from other countries also to invest and settle down in Australia. Australians are tough workers, and ready to accept challenges in all walks of life.
Their educational institutions are at par with any other developed countries. Unemployment is there in Australia too. Anyone who can speak good English will find better jobs here.
They believe in specialization in the latest technology. Mostly, employers pay the minimum salary (called Minimum wage) for each job, determined by the Government in each state.
A Green World is a Happy World
People are hardworking, fun loving, and relax during the weekends.
Going to beach on weekends is the favorite pastime of the Australians.
They are good in almost all sports.
They give utmost importance to preservation of the environment.
They are proud of their clean and beautiful land.
They are very prompt in reporting any damage to the environment and immediate attention is given to it.
You get different foods due to the influence of immigrants.
Laws Are in Place – So Watch Out
Laws are excessive but necessary to keep order and protect people.
There is a famous joke that USA is the “cannot country”, New Zealand is the “I am sorry but it’s not allowed”, Brazil is “Everything is possible”, and Australia is “No way”.
Police are well trained and equipped. Smoking, drinking, or using drugs are not tolerated.
Cars are the most preferred mode of transport. Though there are road and train facilities available, people prefer the comfort and accessibility of cars which also prove cheaper for them.
Here’s what some people have to say about Australia:
“I am just back from Australia after spending a year there! (I’m Irish) It was absolutely amazing! I travelled all over. I think your country is beautiful, and just as beautiful in the outback as it is on the coast….The Australian people are lovely but I’d have to say that because my boyfriend is an Aussie! But really I think Australians and Irish get on quite well and we have a similar sense of humour so that always helps. I find Australians in general a very positive people, I don’t know if that is because of the good weather or what, but I find the people really live and enjoy life to the max…”
“Personally, I’ve seen enough of the Aussie financial professionals on Bloomberg T.V. to realize that there are some very intelligent business people in Australia. The metro areas seem very much like anywhere in the world, but I think the country and suburbs might be a bit more interesting… Somehow I’ve gotten the impression that Aussie’s like to party and take life with a more relaxed attitude than we in the U.S.”
So, Australia is a land of discipline, resources, and with hard work, one can feel comfortable in Australia and all its other minor disadvantages vanish here!!
Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1
The Real Australia
July 3, 2008 by Mira · Leave a Comment
What do you know of Australia?
Popularly called the ‘land down under’, not many people are aware that it’s not only a superb holiday destination but its now emerging as an excellent place to relocate to!
Here I am making an earnest effort to throw light about some interesting aspects of the “real” Australia that might not have come under your purview!
To begin with, do you know from where the term ‘Australia’ was derived from?
It originated from the Latin word australis that means southern. “Terra Australia” was the general reference made to the continent that was situated in the South Pacific Region. With the process inaugurated by Captain James Cook and taken forward by Joseph Banks, different parts of the continent came to the limelight. But it was the Gold Rush of the 1850’s that gave a complete face-over to the colony. Settlers and migrants from all over the globe moved into the colony and their influx gave a tremendous boost to the economy.
In 1901, the various colonies became federated as States of the Commonwealth and in 1927, Canberra replaced Melbourne as the Capital. The country of Australia is bound by one parliament, one constitution and one flag.
The Commonwealth of Australia has many unique characteristics that may stun you at the very first instance.
Despite being the smallest continent in the world, it is the sixth largest country. The country exhibits a variety of climatic zones with the northern regions experiencing a tropical climate and the south having a temperate climate.
You come across a secular civilization in Australia.
The educational facility that is sponsored by the state is exceptionally good. The coastal climate, the scenic beaches and the sumptuous and adventurous cuisine have evolved the Australians as hunters of happiness. Nowhere in the world would you come across such a democratic and happy culture.
Initially, the country was dominated by the Aborigine tribes and later it became a British colony. Hence, it has taken a fairly long time for the Aussies to add their individual attributes to their national culture. Today, the Australian culture has strong elements of influence from the culture of America. With an increasing influx of immigrants from Asia, the Australian society has become more profound and diverse.
Australia can be called one of the world’s most successful multi-cultural democracies. Australians are a bunch of tolerant people who believe and follow the policy of toleration and co-existence in a sincere manner. The vast scale of immigration that has taken place over the years has left its indelible impact on the country. It has inculcated a strong sense of diversity in the Australian culture and has paved the way for strong bonds between different countries and Australia.
The picture that everyone has of Australia is only the result of the superficial analysis of Australia’s obvious characteristics.
However, the true glory of the country and continent lies in its culture and evolution of its diverse society.
The “Real Australian feeling” as we may call it, needs to be experienced!!
Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1
Casual Employment a Stepping Stone to Permanent Employment in Australia
July 1, 2008 by Mira · Leave a Comment
Casual employment which is generally termed as non-standard forms of employment is steadily increasing its share of total employment in Australia.
The employment nature in Australians in recent days has changed a lot. Many prefer getting employed on a casual basis. The statistical research report given by Australian Bureau of Statistics on the data collected in this aspect indicates that about 26.9% of Australian working people are on casual employment.
In 1997 the research done by Simpson, Dawkins and Madden showed that in the period from 1984-93 rate of casual employment increased in the total proportion of total employees. The highest casual employment occurred in sectors like electricity, gas, water, agriculture and tourism and Mining with states like Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania recoding highest casual employments in Australia.
I have many of my friends who like and work in casual jobs in Australia. Many professional females in Australia find the non-standard forms of employment like casual employment more flexible and easier to take up along with their family works. The reasons for these are enormous.
Some of the reasons to state for increasing number of casual employment in Australia are:
Casual jobs in Australia are easier to get. In fact if you have very good English skills you would very soon land up in casual jobs in Australia.
The payment structure of causal jobs in Australia is per hour basis and is also quite attractive which make people to prefer the same. Even an average person can get paid roughly about 14.50 Australian dollars per hour. This remuneration amount would get increased depending on years of experience and skills of an individual.
Casual work in Australia is the biggest sector of the economy which contributes a vital part in increasing the number of casual employment in Australia. These factors result towards the full time jobs to slowly disappear from job market.
Greater change in global employment patterns and lifestyle of people also made Australian employees to give high value for their health and safety in work place along with social and family life. These made the people in Australia to turn their career choice towards casual employment.
Due to the increase in casual employment in Australia almost all people in Australia are employed. The statistical report recorded that in 2004 Australia recorded the least unemployment rating in world.
Factors like policies designed by government to improve international competitiveness, high floating exchange rates and deregulation in financial department made employers to prefer flexibility in employment. This contributes a lot towards the non-standard form of employment namely casual employment in Australia.
Even the increase in the number of employees in job market plays as a factor for raise in causal employment in Australia.
From the above points which details on the reasons for increases in casual employment in Australia it is clear that both demand-side and supply-side factors have contributed to the spread of casual employment in Australia. In fact the casual employment in Australia provides an important stepping stone to permanent employment for many Australians.
Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1
Social Life in Australia - Welcome Mate!
July 1, 2008 by Mira · Leave a Comment
“Custom, then, is the great guide of human life.” - David Hume
The knowledge of the customs and the social traits of any country is the secret to a better understanding of the people of that country. This thought has motivated me to pen down a few of my observations on the social life and customs of the Australians.
It is with great pride that Australians uphold their heritage.
Indeed, if a nation that was earlier inhabited by convicts and labor-class could carve for itself a niche in the world of modern societies, this should be a matter of great honor and pride. Australians are characterized by their so-called ‘laid-back’ attitude.
There is an absolute resentment for the show of pomp in Australia. Even the sense of humor of Australians is noted for its sarcasm and irony. Friends are greeted with a very casual “Hi” or “G’day” (an abbreviation for Good Day). A handshake often follows the greeting.
If I had to name two integral aspects of Australian social life, it would be drinking and gambling. The drink of choice has always been Beer. However, wine production has reached new heights in post World-War II Australia. The elders in Australia mostly use the pub while the youth can be seen hanging out in a fashionable bar or restaurant.
Apart from meeting in the pubs or restaurants, Australians are into the habit of frequent home gatherings. They entertain friends at home with elaborate barbecues. A very warm welcome is offered to the guests who are treated with incredible hospitality thus making the Australians one of the best informal hosts you can ever come across.
The cosmopolitan complexion of Australia’s population has brought with it a wide and varied range of culinary treats. The Australian cuisine has been given an international make-over by the immigrant communities. In general the quick service restaurants are very popular in Australia. These places are also the sought after spots for the socializing crowds.
One important way of socializing in Australia is holing colorful festivals that attract tourists from every corner of the world. To mention some, the Sydney Art Festival held in January invites concert performers and theatre enthusiasts of global acclaim to give free display of their talents- the Adelaide Festival of arts and the Melbourne Festival are also important landmarks in the social history of Australia. Noteworthy of mentioning is Sydney’s colorful Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, that is held in February every year and is considered to be one of the largest social gatherings of its kind in the world.
The Australian society is looked upon as a highly tolerant society that has accommodated people with diverse cultural backgrounds. In this society, each individual is given his space to retain and share their cultural beliefs and practices. All this has evolved a unique pattern of socializing where the rights of others are respected as your own.
With a basic idea of our socializing norms and social customs, I hope that you will be able to adapt to our lifestyle and become a part of the community.
Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1
Position of Foreign Graduates in the Australia Job Market
June 26, 2008 by Mira · Leave a Comment
Australia is no doubt a great place to work for career improvement.
Employers in the Australian job market use aggressive strategies to target candidates. Because of the prosperous job availability in Australia, for many overseas students, Australia remains a destination of choice.
Many organizations in Australia prefer to take foreign graduates termed as untapped talent pools, particularly those awaiting permanent residency.
Are Foreign graduates Succeful in the Australian Job Market?
But foreign graduates must be aware of the job market in Australia. This would help foreign graduates to equip and qualify themselves well and make their entry in the Australian job market easier.
Recently, research was conducted by professor of Monash University and his assistant on how successful foreign migrants graduating from Australian universities are in the job market. The research was done taking a wide period of 5 years from 2001 to 2006. The result of the report stated that only a very minimum number of qualified foreign graduates for work areas are successful in job market. The report gave a statistical analysis that Australia is occupied in majority by Chinese foreign graduates. The Chinese students mostly take Accounts as their major and among these successful Chinese Accounts graduates, only twenty two percent were successful in the Australian job market.
However, Australian accounting graduates very easily succeed with flying colors in the Australian job market.
The Key to an Australian Immigrants Success in the Australian Job Market
The main reason for this being, overseas students whose first language is not English are graduating from Australian universities. This makes them difficult to succeed in Australian job market for which English communication takes the highest priority.
To overcome this position of foreign graduates in Australian job market the first step was taken by IDP Education Australia. They introduce the plan of testing the English skill twice for foreign students. The English skill tests are done before students get enrolled for graduation in Australia and after their graduation is successfully completed. This would enable the students to know their position in English skill and improve them for getting higher success rate in job market starting from their first year of education. In fact, many Australian universities started insisting that foreign graduates should take remedial communication courses. This helps the foreign graduates to achieve professional standards before they could complete their studies and enter job market.
Proof That Good Jobs Are Available for Foreign Graduates
The number of permanent skilled migration granted to graduates is increasing in recent days which is solid proof to show that good jobs are available for foreign graduates in Australia.
The statistical report on the number of permanent skilled migration granted for foreign graduates in the period 2005-06 is 18,226 which numbered greater than the previous year. This proves that its a healthier environment for foreign graduates in the job market.
Many companies take different steps to boost their chances of attracting foreign graduates. Some steps taken by organizations in this direction are graduate recruitment campaigns, short-term project placements, careers fairs and so on. Having wide opportunities open, it is in the hands of foreign graduates to qualify themselves well for their best fit in the job market.
Thus, foreign graduates, if they take steps to improve their pipeline of talent, they are sure to get well placed in the glorious job market in Australia.
Brought to you by the Australian Immigration Experts at Synch1
