Welcome to Australia Blog

Australia~ A nation in the building.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:33:00 PST

If you like politics:

A proposed constitution:

http://www-personal.edfac.usyd.edu.au/staff/souters/republic/gbates/

Senate's General Constitution:

http://www.aph.gov.au/SEnate/general/constitution/index.htm

Brisbane's Muliticultural Festival - Been & Gone!

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:10:48 PST

Go Next year if you missed it!
Why should you go? ~ A few reasons it is worth a visit.

1. It's a free annual event, held at a good location - Roma Street Park lands, Brisbane City Centre.

2. It's a show case of stands and stalls with lots of 'settling in to Australia' resources e.g. Language schools, community groups, immigration support awareness campaigners ( some goodie bags!).

3. There are festival events - music & dance, the arts, children's activities.

4. Food Stalls - eat your way around the world!

For next year: http://www.multiculturalfestival.qld.gov.au/

Too Much Fear Around Migration?

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:46:32 PDT

It's true, there are all too often stories about all the complications surrounding immigrating to Australia.

There are benchmarks, tests and skill criteria to meet and satisfy but hang on a moment....there are plenty of migrants out here who have come out on a lot of persistence.

Finding a good agent who will take the time to explain, assist and support you with your application is essential.

The red tape in the application process is of course to protect Australian society and assess if you can have a reasonable quality of life here....there is also a shortage of workers in certain professions, Australia will look after it's own needs on the journey to building the nation.....with all that though, eliminate the migration fear and live your dreams.

Migrants need to be paid market rates.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:01:00 PDT

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today announced details of the requirement for temporary skilled overseas workers to be paid market salary rates.

The payment of market rates will ensure subclass 457 visa holders are on the same wages and conditions of employment as those provided to an Australian worker undertaking equivalent work in the same workplace.

Where there is an equivalent Australian worker in the workplace, the market rate will be determined by the industrial arrangements that apply to this worker – for example, a collective agreement, award, award conditions with above award salary rates or a common law contract.

Where there is no equivalent worker onsite, the employer may reference collective agreements or awards for that position to substantiate the market rate. If there is no applicable agreement or award, other evidence such as remuneration surveys or earnings data must be provided.

'The Rudd Government has made it clear that temporary skilled overseas workers should not be employed ahead of local workers because they are a cheaper option,' Senator Evans said.

'The subclass 457 visa scheme is a demand driven program designed to supplement – not replace – the local workforce when there are serious skills shortages.'

Under current arrangements, employers are obliged to pay workers on subclass 457 visas the minimum salary level of $45 220 or the award rate. This means overseas workers can be paid less than an Australian employee in the same workplace who may be paid at above award rates – which is the market rate.

'For example, tradespeople working on mine sites or other industries where skills are in high demand are often paid well above award rates,' Senator Evans said.

'The payment of market salary rates will ensure that overseas workers are not used as a cheap form of labour or used to undercut Australian wages and conditions.'

Market salary rates will apply to all new subclass 457 visa holders from 14 September 2009 except where annual earnings of $180 000 or more are proposed.

Visas will not be granted to new subclass 457 visa applicants if the market salary rate for the position is below a temporary skilled migration income threshold of $45 220. The threshold will be indexed in line with ABS earnings data.

Under transitional arrangements, employers currently paying less than the market salary rate to existing subclass 457 visa holders employed in Australia will have until 1 January 2010 to commence paying market rates.
'The implementation of market salary rates is part of a package of reforms to improve the integrity of the subclass 457 visa program,' Senator Evans said.

'These reforms will ensure local training and employment opportunities are not undermined and prevent the exploitation of foreign workers while enabling industry to access skilled overseas workers where there are skills shortages.'

Reforms to the subclass 457 visa program announced in April include:

increasing the English language requirements for subclass 457 visas in trade occupations and for chefs

introducing formal skills assessments for all trade occupations from countries that are not considered low-risk countries

a requirement that employers of subclass 457 visa holders attest to a strong record of, and commitment to, employing local labour and non-discriminatory employment practices

developing formal training benchmarks for sponsors
requiring labour agreements for employers of 457 visa holders in ASCO 5 – 7 occupations.

From 14 September 2009, new worker protection laws will strengthen the integrity of the temporary skilled working visa program, assist in improving workplace safety and ensure overseas workers are not exploited.

The new laws will enable specially trained officers with investigative powers to monitor workplaces and conduct site visits to determine whether employers are complying with the redefined sponsorship obligations.

Employers found in breach of the obligations in the migration regulations could be fined up to $33 000 and the department will retain the ability to cancel an employer's approval as a sponsor or bar them from making further applications for overseas workers.

The new laws will also enable the Commissioner of Taxation to disclose tax information to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in order to ensure correct salary levels are being paid to visa holders.

What's in the News?

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:05:53 PDT

Other than sports stars behaving badly, Politicians fighting over false emails and teenage girls bullying - We have a few thoughts on Australia and the role it hopes to play in the G20 - Check out The Australian :

www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26052196-601,00.html

Who Are Australians?

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:45:38 PDT

Australia is made up of 150 different nationalities.... 4 million (20%) of us were born overseas,

Top 10 birthplaces:

UK and Ireland

New Zealand

Italy

former Yugoslavia

Vietnam

Greece

Germany

China

Hong Kong

Netherlands.

IBISWorld expects are predicting Australia will become increasingly Eurasian as the 21st century progresses.

Australians are Still Gaining in Weight.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:07:42 PDT

I've read recently in passing, that 1 in 4 Australian adults are currently classified as obese...........and by 2020 that number will have climbed to one in three.

These latest stats are frustrating. There are plenty of places to work-out here, great weather -especially in Queensland and a lot of parks with outside fitness classes.

Lets add to that, the ageing population and typically medical conditions associated with aging-cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Obesity is particularly high amongst middle-aged people and the recently retired.....the usually well members of the population and work force.

From a revenue point of view, this is good news for the medical professionals but heck what a burden for the public system.......

Slowing Immigration Numbers.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:05:35 PDT

After years of strong immigration, the weaker economy and rising unemployment, have led the Rudd Government to curb the country's migration program.

What's hot at Queensland Health?

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:47:32 PDT

The latest in telehealth can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfI3iPk6t2o

Stop Trains Horns Honking!

jjacquet@writeup.com.au (WriteUp.com.au) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:31:25 PDT

In Queensland, Trains honk their horns on a number of occasions: when they approach a level crossing or when they leave a station.
These horns can be very loud!
Passengers travelling in the front carriage can easily be annoyed by the noise. I noticed recently a passenger travelling in the front carriage and wearing earplugs.
I am sometimes wondering if train drivers have hearing issues as they get older. It would be interesting to get some statistics...

Now in busy train stations, such as Central Station in Brisbane, one may be waiting for a train on the platform, while previous trains are loading passagers and leaving for their destination.
When trains leave the station, they honk their horns and trust me it is a devastating experience for your ears!!!

Being extremely annoyed myself about these very agressive noises, I have contacted Queensland Rail and complained about it. Their response is that it is for safety: trains have to honk their horns before leaving the station.

While I can understand why giving a warning when approaching a level crossing is a safety procedure - even though I don't agree that, in the 21st century, this is the best way to go. I haven't been given any explaination as to why it is imperative to horn honk before leaving a station.

Also, I have been in quite a number of countries and it is the first time I encounter such a noisy practice - in the name of safety.

If you had a similar experience in Australia or another country, and if like me you are annoyed by it, please leave a comment below...

It is also possible to complain to Queensland Rail directly from here:
qr.com.au

Seeking Information about Australian Schools?

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:06:28 PDT

Check out this website if you are moving to, or have just arrived in Australia and need more information about Australian Schools -

http://www.australianschoolsindex.com.au/

More Job Losses & More Handouts.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:52:48 PDT

The end of the finacial year has rolled in and over here in Australia. The Rudd Government has been heavily criticised over it's budget -reckless spending being the number one gripe. The majority are shouting "There is a need to build a nation and boost the economy!".

British Expats Ahoy!

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:44:08 PDT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8nrDz1xNFE

Australia Country Guide

jjacquet@writeup.com.au (WriteUp.com.au) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:26:00 PDT

With 1100 pages and 204 maps, Australia Lonely Planet Country Guide is Australia's best selling guide to Australia.

Cruise the world's longest road; get tips for driving across this magnificent country.
Find out where Lonely Planet's favorite Australians would rather be.
Seek refuge in Cape Tribulation's Wet Tropics where the rainforest greets the sea.
Join the dots; hear about Aboriginal culture from Australia's first people.

Get it from Fishpond.com.au:

Fines for those who Underpay Migrant Staff.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:18:00 PDT

A $30 000 fine has been imposed on the former owner of a Canberra restaurant for underpaying a Chinese chef.

The Federal Court in Canberra fined Greenstone Australia Pty Ltd $30 000 and imposed a $4000 fine on director Peisan Guan after an investigation by the Workplace Ombudsman found the chef had been underpaid by $47 000.

Greenstone and Peisan Guan previously ran the Four Rivers Sichuan Chinese Restaurant and had employed the chef on a temporary skilled migration (subclass 457) visa.

Workplace inspectors discovered that the restaurant's owners had failed to pay the chef penalty rates he was entitled to over a 12 month period in 2007.

'The Rudd Government will not tolerate rogue employers and this penalty should send a strong signal that exploitation of migrant workers is unacceptable,' Senator Evans said.

'The vast majority of employers do the right thing but when foreign workers employed on subclass 457 visas are underpaid, it undermines confidence in the program.'

Senator Evans said the number of overseas workers coming to Australia on subclass 457 visas has fallen significantly in 2009 as a result of the slowing economy and reduced demand in the labour market.

New worker protection laws that come into effect in September 2009 will strengthen the integrity of the temporary skilled working visa program by ensuring overseas workers are not exploited.

In addition, changes announced to the subclass 457 visa program in April will ensure that temporary skilled overseas workers are not employed ahead of local workers or used to undermine Australian wages and conditions.

The seven key reform measures are:

introducing market salary rates to replace minimum salary levels from September 2009

increasing the minimum salary level for visa holders by 4.1 per cent from 1 July 2009

increasing the English language skills requirements for all chefs and lower skilled occupations

introducing formal trade assessments from 1 July 2009 for all trades and chefs from countries that are not considered low-risk countries
a requirement that employers attest to a strong record of employing local labour and non-discriminatory employment practices

developing formal training benchmarks for sponsors

requiring ASCO 5-7 (lower skilled) occupations to have labour agreements.

Active Winters with Brisbane City Council.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:58:00 PDT

The change in weather has brought with it new energy and plenty of winter active programmes around the neighbourhood.

Here are Brisbane City Council’s new range of free or low cost Active and Healthy activities:

Sailing lessons, fire twirling, African drumming and sustainable gardening workshops are just some of the citywide programs available to children, students, families and seniors plus everyone in between from 1 July.

Family and Community Services Chair Councillor Geraldine Knapp said the three month Active Parks, Gonewalking, Chill Out and RAW (Real Adventurous Women) programs encouraged residents to make the most of Brisbane’s green outdoor spaces.

“Winter is a great time to exercise outdoors as the cool weather is a little kinder to our body temperature,” Cr Knapp said.

“There are more than 50 Gonewalking walks on offer, plus new Chill Out activities for school students such as sustainable gardening and natural weaving workshops at Northey Street Community Farm.

“It’s a great way for kids to get outdoors and learn more about where fruit and vegetables come from.

“People can also experience cultures from around the world at the ‘Come and Try Multicultural Day’ in West End, which includes activities like Kumihimo Japanese braiding, create your own miniature zen garden and African drumming.”

To make participation easy, Active Parks activities are grouped by zone - north, east, south and west.

What’s On: Fire! Try your hand at fire twirling and fire-eating in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Brisbane Powerhouse, New FarmThursday 31 July 6.30pm – 9.30pm Cost: $35.00Book by calling Vulcana Womens Circus on 3358 1888 or emailadmin@vulcana.org.au

Half-day sailing course Never set foot on a yacht before? This is the course for you. Learn to steer the yacht, work the sails and winches while sailing around Moreton Bay. Light refreshments provided.Meet at office, East Coast Marina, Royal Esplanade, ManlySun 27 Jul 8am – 12noon or 1pm – 5pmCost: $70.00Book by phoning 3396 4100 or email sailing@southerncrossyachting@.com.au

Come and try multicultural day Come and experience cultures from around the world.All ages Free Sat 26 Jul 1-3pm Playground opposite Morry Street, Orleigh Park in West End

Build a no-dig garden Learn how to grow fresh vegetables without having to pick up a shovel or spade.Windsor Tuesday 1 July to Thursday 3 Jul OR Tuesday 8 to Thursday 10 JulyNorthey Street City Farm9am-12 noon $2.00 Northey Street City FarmPhone Council on (07) 3403 8470 to book

Source:http://newsroom.brisbane.qld.gov.au/home/news_detail.asp?ID=894

Manhood

jjacquet@writeup.com.au (WriteUp.com.au) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:05:33 PDT

Manhood: An Action Plan for Changing Men's lives, by Steve Biddulph an Australian author, is a really great book.

If you are a man or plan to become one, this book might just be what you've been longing for... and will most certainly influence your view on modern society.

Get it from Fishpond.com.au:

Houses that Move.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:06:55 PDT

Have you ever seen a house move?

If you bought a plot of land with a wooden house and liked the location but wanted to build a new house on the block, you don't necessarily need to knock the old house down - You could have the house removed.

You may only get $5-15'000 for the house itself. House removal/relocation companies come, prepare the house for relocation and take it to a new location or to a storage site. These houses are then resold, depending on the condition.

Swine Flu Reaches 1000.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:04:01 PDT

Australia has had a big week with Swine Flu. More than 1000 cases have been confirmed with the highest numbers being in Victoria.

Budget 2009-10 Migration Program.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:19:00 PDT

Source: Press Release: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/media-releases/2009/ce02-budget-09.htm

The Australian Government has further cut the permanent skilled migrant intake to 108 100 places for the 2009–10 Migration Program, in response to the continued economic slowdown, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said today.

In March, the Government cut the 2008–09 permanent skilled migration intake by 14 per cent from 133 500 to 115 000. This reduction to 108 100 places represents an overall drop of almost 20 per cent on previous planning levels.

‘The Government remains committed to a strong migration program but unemployment in Australia is expected to increase as the economy slows,’ Senator Evans said.

‘The migration intake in the coming year reflects the economic climate while ensuring employers can gain access to skilled professionals in industries still experiencing skills shortages.

‘The reduction is being achieved through a cutback in places for the general skilled category rather than in the high-demand employer-sponsored category or in areas in which Australia has critical skills shortages.’

In addition to the cutback in places, the Government will be increasing the English language level required for trades-related occupations and introduce a targeted skills-testing regime to ensure that migrants have both the language and skills needed to participate in the labour market.

The Government’s reform measures are aimed at ensuring an appropriate balance between providing skills needed in the economy now (demand-driven employer-sponsored), in the future (independent skilled pathway) and in the regions (government-sponsored pathway).

‘The Government has begun the task of constructing a long-term planning framework for migration as a key component of the current reform agenda,’ Senator Evans said.

The Government will provide more opportunities for family reunions with an increase of 3800 places in the family component of the Migration Program, to 60 300. The increase includes an additional 2500 places for partners, 1000 places for contributory parents and 300 for child visas.

‘We are recognising the importance of family through this boost which will benefit Australians who seek to have their parents, partners or children join them to live here permanently,’ the minister said.

Overall, the Migration Program will total 168 700 for 2009–10, which comprises the 60 300 family places, 108 100 skilled places and a further 300 places for special eligibility.

Overseas Worker Numbers Falling.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:34:37 PDT

Source: Press Release www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/media-releases/2009/ce09043.htm

The number of overseas workers coming to Australia on temporary 457 visas has continued to fall in response to the slowing economy and changes implemented by the Rudd Government to protect local jobs.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said that the number of applications for subclass 457 visas lodged in April 2009 was the lowest rate in four years.

The number of temporary skilled migration visas granted in April 2009 was almost 23 per cent lower than in March and 64 per cent lower than in September last year, when the global financial crisis hit.

'The subclass 457 visa program is showing that it is responding to the economic conditions and reduced demand in the labour market,' Senator Evans said.

'While the number of workers coming to Australia under the scheme has slowed considerably, there will continue to be demand for skills in some sectors, such as healthcare, so there will still be a need for employers to access skilled overseas workers.'

Senator Evans said changes announced to the subclass 457 visa program last month will ensure that temporary skilled overseas workers are not employed ahead of local workers or used to undermine Australian wages and conditions.

The seven key reform measures are:

introducing market salary rates to replace minimum salary level from September 2009 to ensure that overseas workers are paid at least the same as Australian workers.

increasing the minimum salary level for visa holders by 4.1 per cent from July 1 to ensure that the overseas workers do not fall below Australian conditions.

increasing the English language skills to for all trades and chefs and lower skilled occupations from 14 April 2009.

introducing formal trade assessments from July 1 for all trades and chefs from countries that are not low risk countries (ie: countries that do not have access to Electronic Travel Authorities)

a requirement that employers attest to a strong record of employing local labour and non discriminatory employment practices
developing formal training benchmarks for sponsors
requiring ASCO 5-7 (lower skilled) occupations to have labour agreements.

The Rudd Government's worker protection laws come into effect in September 2009 which strengthens the integrity of the temporary skilled working visa program by ensuring overseas workers are not exploited or used to undermine local wages and conditions.

What's Hot in Brisbane's Winter.

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:56:32 PDT

For the latest fashion, winter hair trends, the art scene and cultural activities check out this resource website: www.ourbrisbane.com/winter

We're just coming into some cooler weather which is the great time of year to be outdoors ~ no more hot and humid! When I say cooler it means a little chilly in the mornings and evenings, so a jumper may be needed.

Days are still sunny and dry.

What's a D&M?

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Thu, 28 May 2009 19:56:00 PDT

This is a point of interest for anyone who likes to really get into a conversation.

D&M is the Aussie slang for ‘deep and meaningful’.

What we found surprising was the difficulty we were having getting past the general chit-chat conversations of: getting-to-know-you, sports, kids, domestic stuff, and on to a topic which reveals a little something more.

A D&M must therefore be (from what we can gather) a conversation about something a person cares about or something that is going on in their lives above and beyond functional, every day activities.

Is Australia Backward and Racist?

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:31:43 PDT

Ex-Telstra boss Sol Trujillo, hit the headlines this week when he described his adopted home country (Australia) as “backward” and “racist”. He also went on to say that living here was “like stepping back in time”.

Mr Trujillo, originally from the US, resigned as Telstra's chief executive this month. His departing comments caught the attention of the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, whose response was simply “adios”. The media have been referring to Mr Trujillo and his two (also US) top lieutenants as “the three amigos”, ever since.

When asked if Australia was racist in an interview with the BBC, Mr Trujillo added to his comments, “"I think it was evident in a lot of ways with me personally but more importantly with others.”

Do you think Australia is a racist, backward country? Do you have concerns about moving here?

Swine Flu - is it out of control?

noreply@blogger.com (WriteUp.com.au) — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:19:40 PDT

Not yet but it's arrived in Brisbane! Australia wide there are 61 cases of Swine Flu confirmed and in the next few days more are expected.

We've been on stand-by with masks and daily news up-dates. Now Swine flu alerts have been sent home from schools, as cases are confirmed.

A P&O cruise ship has been quarantined off Willis Island, east of Cairns. The staff were isolated and tested.

Are locals anoyed? Yes - you bet! The ship knew that there were sick passengers on a docking cruise and still re-loaded with new passengers AND the same staff.