Helpful Travel Information - Work in Australia

BEFORE YOU BEGIN WORKING:

Open a Bank Account

To open an Australian bank account you'll need proof of your Australian address and your passport.

Get a Tax File Number

You can get an application form from any Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or download one off the net at www.ato.gov.au.

Working Holiday Visa

For more information on your Working Holiday Visa telephone 131 881 or contact you nearest Australian Government Office.

FINDING WORK

There are heaps of ways to find employment in Australia - ranging from searching the 'position vacant' section of the Saturday newspapers, using the internet or enlisting with a recruitment agency.

Don't limit yourself to temping in Sydney or Melbourne - there is so much more to working in Australia than just seeing the cities and the coast! There are great experiences to be had fruit picking or working on a farm in places ranging from Tasmania's southern tip to the vast Ozzie outback.

Wages

Working holiday makers should be paid according to Australian standard rates. For information on rates of pay and conditions, check out www.wagenet.gov.au.

TYPES OF WORK

Fruit Picking:

There's no denying fruit picking is hard work, but you'll get to meet heaps of other backpackers and it can be great fun.

Work on a farm station:

For a real experience in the Outback why not work on a station? VisitOz will train you for four days on a farm to give you the skills you need and will help get you jobs in rural Australia when and where you want them!

Temping:

Temping is a good way to earn some money quickly. Most work is found in the larger cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

Hospitality:

Most big cities have a decent amount of hospitality work. It's a good idea to get a Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate (RSA).

Volunteer Work:

Work in some amazing locations for 6 weeks for the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers. For a fee (around $23 a day) you get all meals provided and the knowledge you are doing something good for the environment!

MOVING ON

When you stop work, ask your employer for a payment summary showing your total income and the amount of tax withheld (you will need this when you fill out your tax return).

Getting your tax back

The Australian taxation year ends on June 30th and you should lodge your tax return by October 31st. Grab a tax pack (free at any post office or ATO) - or have your tax return prepared by a tax agent.

Superannuation

If you are permanently departing the country you are eligible to get money from your super fund (except if you're a Kiwi). You will need proof that you are no longer eligible to work, like a visa that has expired or a copy of passport showing you have departed Australia.

For more information on taxes in Australia telephone 132 861 or visit www.ato.gov.au.