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[jabin20]

What is Australia like in general? Climate, people, culture, jobs, taxes, etc.

I'm an American, and I love America; however, it looks like the economy is going to get worse here in the future. I'm looking for a place similar to home (Western), and I'm thinking about Australia.

I'm a college student: I am a junior double majoring in history and Spanish. After college, I intend to either get a law degree, masters in technical writing, or a PhD in history.

What is the economy like in Australia?
Is there a demand for any of these types of jobs?
What is the pay for these types of jobs?
How is the health care system and insurance system in Australia?
What is the tax rate on income, property, and sales?
What is the cost of living?
Would I be able to fit it well?
What are the clean food and water laws like?
Is it safe?
What are general similarities and differences between the United States and Australia?

Thanks,
0_o

[fenwick]

• What is the economy like in Australia?

Very strong. Smaller but in much better shape than the US economy. Unemployment around 5% but massive demand for skilled workers.

• Is there a demand for any of these types of jobs?

No. You will have enormous trouble getting a work visa. You could possibly get a visa as an experienced lawyer but extensive retraining will be required nbefore you can work in our different legal system.

• What is the pay for these types of jobs?

Lawyers are very well paid. Not so high for the other occupations. It's pointless to give you any actual figures as there is no way you could hope to work here for at least 6 or more years.

• How is the health care system and insurance system in Australia?

Australia's healthcare system leaves the USA's for dead. The overall standard of healthcare is comparable to the US but we have an excellent universal healthcare system where nobody ever is bankrupted because of medical or hospital costs and nobody ever dies because they can't afford treatment. Our healthcare system is NOT socialised medicine - most doctors are self or privately employed: the only government employed doctors are in public hospitals. in addition to our universal healthcare system (Melicare), private health insurance is widely used and government subsidised so it's much cheaper than in the USA. Private health insurer must insure anyone who wants to insure with them even if they have a pre-existing condition and a bad medical history and they must charge everyone the same premiums for the same level of cover.

• What is the tax rate on income, property, and sales?

Income taxes are comparable to the USA and are progressive - the highest rate is 45% but only on that part of the income that is over $180,000. Workers on the average wage of around $72,000 pay around 21% on their total net income. Property taxes (council rates) are generally less expensive though vary between local authorities. A GST of 10% is charged on pretty well all goods and services except fresh food, medical services and education and is included in the price of the item - the price you see is the price you pay. There are no other sales or wholesale taxes.

• What is the cost of living?

Higher than in the US, but wages are also higher. e.g., our minimum wage is $15.31/hour for permanent workers WHOalso get 4 weeks annual leave and at least 10 days of sick pay. Casual workers don't get annual leave or sick pay but their hourly wage is at least $19.14/hour. Everyone is also paid 9% superannuation on top of their wages. Ordinary people in Australia enjoy a better standard of living than ordinary people in the USA.

• Would I be able to fit it well?

Yes, if you're not a loud mouth. We take people as we find them here and nice people from anywhere are very welcome. I'm married to an American and he loves it here.

• What are the clean food and water laws like?

At least as good as in the USA and our general environment, particularly in our large cities is cleaner.

• Is it safe?

Much safer than the USA. We have very strict gun control laws and most Australians (including our petty criminals - the type who break into houses), have never seen a handgun.

Australia is very influenced by US television and movies but we also retain our uniquely Australian character; we work hard but we know how to enjoy ourselves - most Australians work to live rather than live to work; our great climate allows us to spend a lot of time outdoors; we're not very religious - the religious right has no influence here; we're very informal and friendly - first names for everyone; we have a very multicultural and accepting society; race isn't something we ever think about - like any other country, we have some racists but their attitudes are completely unacceptable to most people; we use a lot of slang and have a weird sense of humour - both can make us hard to understand until you get the hang of the slang and get to know us.

[chozai65]

You seem to be able to speak English well and have skills, so you would make for a pleasant change from the calibre of immigrants we typically get.