Australia Explained

Every Australian citizen who is on the electoral roll can be called up for jury service. But what is involved if you get called to be a juror? And what is the role of a jury?

How can we help raise children to be respectful partners when social media has such a strong influence? Learn how to talk to young people and encourage open conversations to ensure that we end gender-based violence.

Building a house in Australia is a dream for many, but what are the essential steps to achieving it? While buying an existing home may seem straightforward, the process of purchasing land and constructing your own house requires careful planning and consideration. Here's how you can navigate building your own home in Australia.

Did you know that one in five children is at risk of dying from a disease that is now preventable through vaccination? Australia’s vaccination program helps to prevent severe outcomes from many childhood infections. To access family support payments—and in some states, childcare services—your child must be fully immunised according to the national schedule.

Are you seeking a truly impactful Australian travel experience? Whether you’re seeking wilderness, food, art or luxury, there are plenty of First Nations tourism adventure that you can explore, led by someone with 65,000 years of connection to this land. Not only will you deepen your experience, but you’ll help drive cultural and economic opportunities for First Nations communities.

For first-time borrowers, the home loan application process can feel overwhelming. Learn the basics around interest rates, the application process and government support you may be eligible for in Australia.

Australia's warm climate offers an abundant supply of solar energy year-round, making solar power an increasingly significant contributor to the nation's electricity supply. Learn what the requirements are for installing solar power systems in your home.

Shared housing is becoming increasingly popular in Australia, as more people look to reduce rental costs. So, what key factors should you consider when searching for shared accommodation, and how can you avoid potential scams?

Astronomical knowledge of celestial objects influences and informs the life and law of First Nations people.

Understanding how dental care works in Australia can be crucial for maintaining your health and well-being. Learn how to access dental services, the costs involved, and some essential dental health tips to keep you and your family smile bright.

In Australia, workplace codes of conduct differ from company to company, but some standard unwritten rules are generally followed in most businesses and industries. There are also a few unspoken rules in the Australian workplace that can evolve into a set of social norms. Here is how to navigate and familiarise yourself with these unwritten rules when starting a new job.

Choosing the right heating system for your home becomes easier when you understand what options are available. And if you can't change what is already installed, there are ways to improve energy and cost efficiency.

When it comes to tipping, Australia is divided. Knowing who and when to tip is confusing even for those born in Australia, but there are some common habits that can guide our decisions.

Australians produce 74 million tonnes of waste each year, yet only 60 per cent is recycled. Confusion and lack of knowledge around recycling is compromising our efforts.

Increasingly at public events we observe a ceremony performed by Aboriginal Traditional Custodians. This ceremony is called ‘Welcome to Country’. So what is the significance of this welcoming ritual?

Dealing with the death of a family member or friend is overwhelming. For new migrants, funeral arrangements can add another level of uncertainty. It is essential to know how funerals are conducted in Australia.

Refugee Week is a time to inform ourselves about refugees and celebrate the positive contributions they make to Australian society. This year’s Refugee Week theme is Healing.

Around 46,000 children are in 'out of home care' in Australia. There is a shortage of foster parents in the country and in some cases there is a need for people from a specific cultural background.

Selecting a high school can be unexpectedly stressful for both parents and children. By keeping a few key things in mind, families can make their way through the maze of information to find what best suits their child and their circumstances.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child outlines the specific rights children and young people can claim. This week we examine the key rights of children and how they are protected in Australia.

Bushwalking is one of Australia's most popular recreational activities. Although bushwalking is very low-risk, many common mistakes can be avoided with some simple preparation. This week’s episode explains how to keep out of trouble while enjoying the many benefits bushwalking has to offer.

Seventeen million Australians are enrolled to vote at the upcoming federal election. In Australia, we have an independent body manage the electoral system. The Australian Electoral Commission ensures that all eligible citizens have the chance to help shape our federal government. This week, Settlement Guide explains how to vote.

Mould is common in Australian homes as it thrives in warm, moist environments, especially in areas of above average humidity. The recent severe rainfalls and floods that ravaged various parts of Australia’s eastern coast could be followed by an unprecedented spread of mould, which will cause dangerous health problems. Most flood-affected areas in Queensland and Northern NSW are highly vulnerable to mould growth and removing it could be risky, costly, and better left to the professionals, experts suggest.

When living in a multicultural country such as Australia, you will most likely meet or make friends with people who practice a different faith or culture. It's important to be able to understand and appreciate the religious and cultural attributes of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, which leads to a more cohesive society. One of these practices is religious fasting observed by many different faiths. In the episode we take a look at how religious fasting affects the physical health, and could there be any benefits?

In Australia, adults who commit criminal offences are managed by the Australian criminal justice system. The term ‘correctional facility’ describes a place where someone serves their sentence when they are found guilty of a criminal offence. Prisons are the harshest type of correctional facility, not only for those in custody but also for the families left behind.

With the federal election due to take place before the end of May, there are steps you must take before casting your vote for the first time. Many resources are available to help you enrol to vote, and to have your say in shaping our nation.

When there’s an emergency related to floods, storms and other natural events, volunteers play a key role in responding across Australia. But how can people join their state or territory’s State Emergency Service? What are volunteers expected to do and what skills do they need to have before they join?

Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with approximately 61% of households owning a pet. Yet, thousands of pets go into shelter or are rescued every year.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. On average, one Australian dies every 12 minutes as a result of a cardiovascular disease. When it comes to heart attacks, one Australian die almost every hour. Do you know how to recognise the signs of a heart attack and what to do if it happens?

Scammers are taking advantage of people’s fears during the COVID-19 pandemic. Common scams include phishing for personal information, online shopping, and superannuation scams. Here is how to spot a scam and how to protect yourself.

Every year people born outside of Australia are overrepresented in our drowning statistics. Learning to swim at any age can prevent you from drowning, protect your family and help you confidently participate in Australian life.

The benefits of bilingual education are well documented. But experience shows that adapting it to your child’s needs is the only way to make it work for fostering cultural identity.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank or ATAR plays a significant role for secondary school students who plan to pursue higher education. It is a standard measure of a student's overall academic achievement that indicates their position relative to all the students in their age group, determining who gets offered a university course.

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is an entrenched part of Australian culture. Sydney’s version, for example, is said to be the largest celebration of its type outside Asia.

Australia's weather is influenced by many climate drivers. The most important climate drivers in Australia include El Niño and La Niña which have the strongest influence on year-to-year climate variability for most of the country.

Beyond the light pollution of the big cities is a growing tourism niche. This week Settlement Guide explores the stars, the dark spaces in between and Australia’s growing fascination with ‘dark sky tourism’.

Cryptocurrency is a digital form of money that can be sent to anyone through the blockchain technology. You can hold this digital token in your wallet with no intermediaries, allowing you to use your coins as you wish. Australian are becoming increasingly vested in cryptocurrency but without being conscious of the risks involved in this electronic money and scammers often try to trick people into investing in fake opportunities to buy crypto.

With international travel resuming, it’s important to prepare friends and family members visiting from overseas for Australia’s strict border checks. Australia’s biosecurity laws prohibit importation of certain goods that may seem harmless but can have a devastating impact on our environment and agriculture. If caught trying to bring in these good without declaring, people can face hefty fines and even visa cancellation.

Every two years, the Diversity Council of Australia publishes the Inclusion@Work Index, a study that maps inclusion and harassment and discrimination across the Australian workforce. The next Index is being released in December this year.

Starting a small business is an exciting venture, but it’s a one that comes with numerous challenges. Let’s take a look at how you can make this process simpler and more gratifying.

Australia is a sporting nation, and one of the most exciting ways to integrate into Australian society is through sports - bringing enormous health and social benefits for everyone involved. Here is what you need to know about the four most popular sporting codes.

Private health insurance helps people avoid long wait times for non-urgent procedures and lets them access services that Medicare does not cover. But out of pocket costs may be a deterrent for many people to use it to pay for their medical costs.

A variable loan offers more flexibility and comes with redraw and offset facilities, whereas a fixed-term loan keeps the interest repayments stable during the fixed term. But if you need to break the fixed term, the extra cost may be significant.

With changes in the social security laws set to take effect from 1 January 2022, new permanent residents will have a four-year wait period before they can access most government payments.

With lockdowns in Melbourne and Sydney extended, gyms and other training facilities remain out of bounds for people. And a loss of social connection and restricted time outdoors means it’s not just one’s physical health but also mental well-being that may be taking a hit.

People with mental illnesses are more likely to develop physical illnesses. If ignored, mental health issues can worsen and lead to other disorders. But with timely help, one can regain control and come back with renewed spirit.

Taking care of one's physical and mental health paves the way for better holistic well-being down the track. But it's not always easy to do so, especially for women juggling career and household responsibilities. But here's how you can include self-care in your routine.

Stemming from historical injustices, Indigenous disadvantage continues to affect First Nations people resulting in shorter life expectancy, poor health and education outcomes and disproportionately higher incarceration rates.

If you are studying or working and have young children at home, you can access subsidised childcare in Australia. There are different care options available, depending upon whether you satisfy the activities test, and the level of government subsidy depends on your family income.

Family migration makes up almost half of Australia’s annual permanent migration intake this year. With different visas allowing Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones on Australian soil, here’s what you need to know about Australia’s family stream visas.

A recent report has found that one in four permanent skilled migrants in Australia are working in jobs below their skill level, costing them and the economy hundreds of millions in foregone wages every year. In this segment of Settlement Guide, we look at some practical ways for new migrants to find employment that matches their skill level, qualifications and work experience.

The buy now, pay later services may have made buying products easier for consumers, but with their increasing popularity and almost ubiquitous presence, concerns are growing that some users may get caught in a debt spiral.

Every five years, a count is taken of every person and home in Australia in the national Census of Population and Housing. The data collected from over 25 million people will help the governments, businesses and community groups to make informed decisions about infrastructure and services for Australians. However, some people may be concerned about sharing their personal information and the safety of their private data. In this episode of Settlement Guide, General Manager of the Census, Chris Libreri, is answering questions about these issues.

Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Program doubled in size in 2020-21, with over 13,500 visa places in the annual migration program. Over the years, the program has delivered billions of dollars in investment in Australia and provided a pathway to permanent residency for investors, innovators and migrants with business skills. Now, for the first time since 2012, the government has made some significant changes to the program, including slashing the number of visa streams and subclasses from nine to four.

From 1 July 2021, Australia's business and investment visa requirements are changing, applications for Australian citizenship will cost more, a new agriculture visa is being introduced later in the year, and partner visa applicants and their permanent resident sponsors will have to pass an English test. Find out about all the visa and immigration changes coming into effect in the financial year 2021-22.

NAIDOC Week is celebrated each July to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme Heal Country! calls for greater protections for the Aboriginal lands, water, sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration and destruction. So, this episode of Settlement Guide looks at ways of exploring and learning about important Indigenous sites within easy reach of our cities.

Superannuation is a mandatory savings scheme designed to help Australians save money that they can use in retirement. However, experts warn that migrant workers who do not pay attention to their super may be losing their savings to unnecessary fees and charges.

Many Australians want to adopt children from other countries, who otherwise don’t have an opportunity to be part of a family. Australia has adoption agreements with several countries, but the process of adopting a child from overseas is lengthy and requires a strong commitment.

If you are looking for an academically challenging environment for your high-achieving child, you might consider one of the selective entry high schools in Victoria, NSW, Queensland or Western Australia. These are highly competitive and result-oriented schools that nurture academic excellence in high-performing students. But some experts say the pressure to continue to perform at a high level may harm the students' mental health.

Many Australians underestimate the importance of having a will, believing they are not wealthy or old enough to need it. But experts say you should start thinking about having one as soon as you become an adult. You can get legal help or use a Do-It-Yourself will kit, but there are certain things to keep in mind while preparing a will.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to acknowledge the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and take action to build positive relationships with one another.

The demand for residential properties has swelled amid the government incentives for homebuyers and record-low interest rates, which have driven up prices and competition among buyers. In such a competitive housing market, it’s easy to miss signs of serious problems with the property. So, here's what you need to know when you are out looking for your first home.

An international study predicts that three in five jobs will require advanced digital skills by the year 2030. But a recent RMIT report shows that one in four Australian workers don’t have the skills to operate in a rapidly digitalised work environment. This highlights a significant skills gap amid increasing automation in the economy.

Observing road rules is critical to the safety of all road users. As traffic laws can vary across different states and territories, they can sometimes be confusing for motorists, especially if they are travelling interstate. In this episode of Settlement Guide, we discuss such little known road rules, some of which may appear bizarre but can cost you a big fine.

Global Talent Independent Visa Program is designed to attract the 'best and brightest' minds to help grow Australia's innovation and tech economies. While there's no requirement to sit for English language tests, such as IELTS or PTE, and no formal skills assessment is required, this pathway is reserved for individuals with exceptional skills and a track record of international repute. If you meet these criteria, you may get permanent residency in Australia within a few months under this program.

Anti-domestic violence campaigners are calling for criminalising controlling behaviours that often prove key precursors to physical violence in a relationship. But, multicultural support workers say gaps in legislation and services are failing migrant victims on temporary visas as many feel trapped in abusive relationships due to cultural barriers, but also a lack of immigration pathways and gaps in support services.

Do you ever think of what you once dreamt of becoming as a child? Revisiting our childhood dream can sometimes bring a new spark in life. For some, it may even present an opportunity to leave a legacy.

Australia's permanent migration program currently offers 160,000 visas every year, with the biggest share reserved for skilled applicants. The points-tested skilled permanent visas are highly competitive, with the number of applicants outstripping supply by a big margin. In this episode, we take a look at how the skilled permanent residency pathways work in Australia.

The Federal Government is aiming to ease Australia's responsible lending laws, hoping it will help stimulate the economy. But with the onus of assessing the suitability to take on debt set to be placed back on a borrower, experts warn it is more important than ever to borrow responsibly.

Have you ever purchased a used car and later found that it required expensive repairs? This is not uncommon, especially if you are not a skilled technician who knows how to inspect a vehicle thoroughly. But doing your homework and following some tips can help you find a safe and reliable car that suits your needs and budget.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual in multiple ways. It is internationally recognised every year on April 2 and has three most common classifications: Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Autism Spectrum Australia says nearly one in 80 Australians live with some form of autism, which is an estimated 40 per cent increase since 2014.

All foreign citizens must have a valid visa to stay in Australia. If someone doesn't leave the country when their visa ceases, they become an unlawful non-citizen and may be detained and deported from Australia. Staying in Australia without a visa can also have consequences for further visa applications, including a three-year exclusion period during which another Australian visa cannot be granted.

New research reveals that two in five Australians are concerned about hygiene in their workplace, while more than a quarter have become anxious about germs since the start of the pandemic. With more workers returning to on-site work, employers and employees can manage the return-to-work stress with these small but important steps and make their workplace COVID-safe.

Rock fishing is a popular activity in Australia, with over a million keen anglers climbing the rocks for their catch each year. But being unfamiliar with conditions can expose one to a high risk of injury or even death, making it very dangerous. Nearly 200 rock fishing-related deaths have been recorded in Australia since 2004, which safety experts believe could have been avoided by observing some simple safety measures.

The Federal Government has relaxed application requirements and visa criteria for international students to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for overseas students. Now, with the Temporary Graduate visa, international students have an opportunity to access longer stay in Australia to gain valuable work experience and explore a pathway to permanent residency.

A sea or tree change is an Australian dream for many retirees who seek a slower and more relaxed lifestyle in a smaller seaside or inland community. It seems that COVID-19 has accelerated many people’s decision, with the latest ABS data showing that capital cities suffered the biggest quarterly net loss on record last September, losing 11,000 people to regional towns. Here are some helpful points if you’re contemplating the big move.

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians are trapped in a vicious cycle of increasing debt while relying on multiple personal loans to cover their household bills and living costs. So, how do you live in debt and proactively manage your financial commitments?

Prior to COVID-19, Australia’s mature workforce was already battling ageism with 68 per cent of employers indicating that they were unwilling to employ workers over 50 in a 2018 survey by the Australian Human Resources Institute.

Going back to normal school life can be an exciting or anxious time for children after the summer holidays. Here are some tips for parents to help your children ease into a new school year.

‘Voice’, ‘recognition’, ‘sovereignty’ and ‘treaty’ have become a significant part of the language used to discuss the development of Australia's relationship with its Indigenous peoples. For most people these are just words but for First Nations people, they symbolise hope for a better and more inclusive future, with more involvement in the decisions that directly affect their lives.

Managing bushfire risk to your home and family means being prepared. Experts advise that people who live in bushfire-prone areas need a plan for an emergency.

Firefighters face many dangers every day and they suffer unpredictable disruption to their personal life. Australia heavily relies on volunteer firefighters for the protection of homes and communities. So, how do you become one of these real-life national heroes?

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Australia’s beaches, rivers and waterways, but many new arrivals who are not familiar with water safety rules can put their life at risk. These safety guidelines for swimming, boating and fishing can help prevent drowning incidents and save money on fines.

Australia is gearing up for a wetter summer season with above average rainfall across the eastern parts of the country. Experts are warning people to exercise caution near flood-prone areas.

Australia has just experienced its hottest November on record. While La Niña is expected to bring a wetter summer season, the Bureau of Meteorology, also predicts that heatwaves will last over a prolonged period. Experts warn to take extra precaution indoors and outdoors to prevent sun and heat-related health problems.

Celebrations of important family, cultural and religious occasions have had to adjust to the social distancing rules and travel bans in 2020. While some are eagerly awaiting the easing of restrictions to reunite with loved ones, others are busy strategising new ways to celebrate the survival of an especially tough year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to reassess, reconfigure and reinvent the way we work. With flexible work arrangements expected to become the norm, employers will be playing a more active role in managing employees’ engagement and wellbeing.

Social etiquette is no longer the same in the highly infectious coronavirus environment we find ourselves in. Keeping a physical distance, sneezing into your elbow, and regular hand washing are just some of the new norm.

With Australian domestic tourism down $21.7 billion compared to last year, 2020 is like no other in the tourism world. But if your travel plans have been disrupted, technological advancements may now enable the world to come direct to you.

While the pandemic lockdowns limited access to physical gambling venues, the impact of lockdown hasn’t shrunk the actual offering of gambling products in Australia. Increases in online gambling and wagering app downloads reflect a shift in behaviour, with a worrying spike in gambling issues among younger Australians.

During the COVID-19 pandemic many Australian micro-businesses were forced to implement new digital strategies in order to survive. Digital business experts believe creating competitive advantages are about the ability to evolve, innovate and understand that digital and business strategies are two sides of the same coin.

How have some people remained healthy and energetic amid the pandemic, while others have become ill or demotivated? The secret, according to those who rarely get sick, lies in the mindset and habits that contribute to your overall wellbeing.

Bereavement amid a global health crisis worsens the sense of loss when we are unable to give our loved one a proper send-off. Here’s how people are making sense of their grief within the COVID-19 restrictions.

Retiree plans for housing and accommodation have shifted with the pandemic’s social restrictions and resulting changes in the property market. How will the property market look for retirees and others throughout – and after – the pandemic?

Australia’s first recession in 29 years has financial counsellors busy taking calls from people who have never faced debt problems, and there are concerns debt amid the pandemic may provoke serious mental health concerns.

Caring for a loved one with dementia is challenging at the best of times, but experts say families are struggling more than ever to provide support for their loved ones amid the pandemic.

Many temporary migrants have endured hardship during COVID-19, as found in a recent survey conducted by Unions New South Wales. With 87 per cent of respondents reporting that they had difficulty paying their weekly expenses and 43 per cent skipping meals on a regular basis, we explore some survival tips you may find useful during these turbulent times.

The economic damage inflicted by COVID-19 restrictions has seen over three million Australians dip into their superannuation savings. Whether you need that extra boost in cash or not, financial experts say it is nonetheless a good time to review the state of your superannuation account.

Victoria’s embattled aged care sector is grappling with widespread infections resulting in over 100 deaths amid the coronavirus pandemic. There are lessons for desperate families when considering residential aged care for your loved ones during these trying times.