Useful Links and information

TAX FILE NUMBER

When you arrive in Australia you will need to get a tax file number from the Australian Taxation Office. This number is essential for employment and banking purposes. A tax file number is issued to you once in your lifetime.

For further information view the Australian Taxation website click here.

MEDICARE

Medicare is the government health system in Australia, upon arrival you are immediately eligible to apply for Medicare.

Benefits provided under Medicare for example include; Doctor consultations, eye tests by optometrists, X-rays, pathology tests, in-hospital services (public hospitals).

To apply go to a Medicare office and complete the relevant forms.

You will be issued with a Medicare number and card, when you go to the doctor or hospital you will need to present this card. For further information view the Medicare website click here.

*It takes approximately 10 days following immigration for your information to arrive on the Medicare system.

CENTRELINK

Centrelink is an agency of the Department of Human Services in Australia and offers services to low income earners, parents raising children, students, unemployed and disabled people. As a new resident to Australia there is a Newly Arrived Resident's waiting period for payments from Centrelink for most payments except the Family Allowance - which is a payment to assist with raising children. For further information view the Centrelink website click here.

DRIVER'S LICENSE

When you arrive in Australia you can change your driver's license to a Western Australian Driver's License at the Licensing Centre.

They will need a letter with your current residential address in Australia. If you are a Westpac banking customer, the Joondalup branch can assist you by providing you with a letter

To view a driving instruction manual for Australia click here.

To view the Department for Planning and Infrastructure (licensing) click here.

TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Public transport is readily available in Perth. Public transport is available in the form of trains, buses, taxi's and free city bus services called CAT buses. Many of the train stations link with bus and taxi services. To find out more information about transport in Perth click here.

EDUCATION

The school year starts in February and ends in December. The year consist of 4 terms, with holidays between terms. It is compulsory for children aged 6 years and over to attend school. There are many public and private schools within Perth. Intake at schools is via area catchments, so you will need to check what area you are in prior to enrolling students. Uniforms are generally worn at most schools and at private schools are compulsory. Fees vary with the school. For more information on Education WA click here.

THE FUN STUFF.........Our friendly staff will happily provide you with information on how to get to all of the popular tourist locations.

BEACHES

Perth has many beautiful beaches to explore, as pictured to the left of each page of our website.

Further information which may be of interest:

www.health.gov.au - Western Australia Department of Health

www.customs.gov.au - Australian Customs Service

www.firb.gov.au - Foreign Investment Review Board

www.outboundpublishing.com - Newspaper issued with VISA whilst overseas