Whether you're backpacking or starting a new life in Queensland, there are plenty of things you should know about in order to make settling in that much easier.
Accommodation
The rental market can be very difficult to infiltrate here, and costs have risen dramatically over recent years. If possible, consider arranging accommodation with a group of friends. You will also need to provide tenancy references (any rental agency will want these.)
Useful tools: Domain, Flatmates Australia, Facebook Pages such as Irish Around Brisbane, Irish on the Gold Coast, Irish Around Oz, Irish Moving to Australia.
Things to note
- Ask to see the terms & conditions of the lease.
- It is customary to have a 4-week bond plus 2 weeks' rent payable in advance.
- Know your rights Home | Residential Tenancies Authority (rta.qld.gov.au)
- Have references from previous landlords.
- Entry & exit reports – ensure everything that is not standard is noted on the entry report. Make sure to take photos for reference.
Opening a Bank Account
Australian banks use a points system to verify your identity. You will need a photo ID. For example:
- Your passport
- Your driving license
- A national ID card (Age card)
If you don’t have this, you’ll need another form of primary ID, such as:
- Birth Certificate
(For proof of address, you may also need a recent lease agreement or notice from the Australian Taxation Office (TFN))
Some common banks in Australia: Westpac, Commonwealth, ANZ and NAB.
Tax File Number (TFN )
You must apply for a tax file number to work in Australia. You will need to give this to your employer when you start employment. You can apply for this online Apply for a TFN | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au)
Superannuation
- When you work in Australia, your employer is obligated to contribute to your Super Fund. This is basically the compulsory contributions your employer (in Australia) puts towards your retirement fund. Similar to the PRSI in Ireland.
- You may be eligible to claim that Super back as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). However, there are certain requirements, and it can be heavily taxed before you receive it. https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/In-detail/Temporary-residents-and-super/Super-information-for-temporary-residents-departing-Australia/
Getting Around
Public transport
- Contactless payment (credit/debit cards and smart devices) - for bus, train, ferry and tram
- Go Card (being phased out) for bus, train, ferry, tram go card | Translink
Car & Driver’s Licence
- If you're visiting Queensland, you can drive with a valid interstate or overseas licence.
- If you move to Queensland, you will have to transfer your licence to a Queensland licence. You can't drive in Queensland with your interstate or overseas licence if you've been issued with a Queensland licence.
- Compulsory third-party insurance is mandatory.
- REGO (car tax) is expensive Registration | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
- Before purchasing a car, try to have a reliable independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Healthcare
Ireland and Australia have a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement (RHCA).
This allows Irish Citizens in Australia to receive free healthcare under certain criteria, such as public inpatient and outpatient hospital care only. You won’t get a Medicare benefit for out-of-hospital services under the agreement.
Medicare
Medicare is Australia’s universal health care system. Irish citizens from the Republic of Ireland are not eligible for Medicare (until they become residents). However, Irish citizens from Northern Ireland are automatically eligible for Medicare services.
Prescription Medicine
- If you need to take regular medication, make sure you have discussed it with your doctor and plan to have an adequate supply.
Entering Australia | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
What medicines and substances can you bring in? (abf.gov.au)
Employment
Make sure to check Visa requirements
Check IMMI Immi.homeaffairs.gov.au Fair Work Ombudsman (know your rights).
Regional Work
- What is it? – Regional work is classed as work within a certain postcode and industry for a period of 88 days that entitles you to apply for a second WHM Visa. This can be with multiple employers, but must be within the correct postcode and add up to 88 full days of work.
Specified work for Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) (homeaffairs.gov.au)
- Legitimate employer – check that your employer is legitimately allowed to hire WHM for their 88-day regional work. This means the employer must be registered with the ATO (Australian Taxation Office).
Seasonal Work (covers 88 days)
- It is typically in the agriculture & horticulture industry. It is only available at certain times of the year and can be weather-dependent.
- Where to find work? (workforceaustralia.gov.au), Gumtree, Seek, Jobrapido, Facebook pages, working hostels
Please note:
Visa requirements and regulations for working in Australia - whether on a Working Holiday Visa, a Sponsored Visa, or another type of visa - are subject to change. While IASAQ can provide general information and assistance, it’s important to seek advice from immigration specialists for accurate and up-to-date guidance. We have access to a migration specialist should you need to contact an agent. Although we stay informed on many visa-related matters, we are not licensed immigration advisors and cannot provide professional advice.
Alternatively, for official visa information and assistance, you can visit:
Be smart
- Don’t pay to find a farm job. Don’t pay for any accommodation or transport unless you know you have work guaranteed.
- Get all your agreements in writing before you start work (pay rate, hours, start & end date, equipment). Keep all paperwork & payslips safe for future employment purposes.
- Australia is a huge country with various landscapes and weather conditions. Before you start looking for seasonal work, determine where and when it is best to go.
Top Tips
- Stay safe!
- Keep your belongings and personal documents secured (passport, money).
- Put this number in your phone – POLICELINK 131 444 (for non-emergency).
- Try to travel with a friend/group.
- When driving, remember Australia is a huge country, and the distance between towns can be very far. Have fuel, water and some cash!
- Avoid driving too long at one time; you will notice driver fatigue signs along the road.
- Avoid driving after dusk in rural areas, as kangaroos are on the road and can be very hard to avoid.
- It can get super-hot in parts of Australia, over 40 degrees! Be sun safe, wear sunscreen, a hat and when working outdoors, drink water (your skin will thank you in the future!)