Moving to Australia – Your First Day
Moving to Australia is not a dream any more. You have your permanent visa and have arrived. Your new life in Australia starts today.
What should you do now?Don't wait till you get rid of the jet leg, act immediately.
Register with Medicare Australia
Living in Australia as a permanent resident entitles you to Medicare. Find the nearest Medicare office. They are generally located in the larger shopping centres. Have your documents ready. If you are eligible you will receive a Medicare card. It gives access to free medical care in public hospitals. To get a health check go to a general practitioner - GP - as everyone calls them. Preferably one close to you. You can choose your GP based on your own criteria. In case you need further specific treatment the GP will refer you to a specialist. Medical practitioners can either bulk bill or charge you for the visit. You will also need your Medicare card when you buy prescription medication.
Moving to Australia -
Get a Tax File Number
You need your tax file number (TFN) to file for tax returns at the end of each financial year (30 June). You need to provide your TFN when you get a job, open an account, or for various financial transactions. If you do not provide a TFN, your income may be taxed at the highest tax rate. If your actual tax rate is lower you will get the money back when you do your tax return, but why worry? It’s better to make your money work harder for you, so apply for your TFN on your first day in Australia. To get a TFN go to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website and follow the instructions or visit an ATO office. There will be one in or near the major shopping centres. At the end of the financial year you have 4 months to do your taxes. Lodge them before October 31. With your first tax return, if you worked for only a part of the whole 12 months of the financial year, you may have the pleasant surprise to receive a nice cheque from the Australian Tax Office. Life in Australia can offer you opportunities and challenges: jobs, investments, payments. Your financial circumstances will reflect that. If they are simple, you can work out your own tax return. Just follow the instructions provided with the tax papers. Pick them up at a news agent, for free or download them off the ATO website or, even better, register for e-tax. If your situation is more complex or you simply don’t like the financial stuff, go to a tax accountant.
Moving to Australia -
Open a Bank Account
Search the internet for banks before moving to Australia to have an idea of the services and type of accounts they provide. Otherwise go to your local shopping area and visit a bank branch or several, if you want to compare. Go to the customer service desk and tell them what you want. They'll be happy to get a new customer.
Register with Centrelink
This is a government agency that can offer family assistance if you have children, support with job search, provide English courses, help with recognition of overseas skills. Talk to a Centrelink officer and get some information on what assistance may be available for you. There's a lot on you plate for day one but don't delay. Do it now. Good luck with your new life in Australia.
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