[bcworld]

Originally Posted by paulry That's very interesting reading. It also provides a feel for how the labour market is likely to change in the next 12 months. ...A bit fed up that my estimated salary is $20k less PA than it is in Sydney but for the moment just findng a job woud be good

Having said that it's accurate, I do think the salary and range quoted for ACT / AP Other looks low. I'd be really surprised if the top end of the range was accurate. Could be skewed by high numbers of government staffers though?

[freebo]

Originally Posted by paulry That's very interesting reading. It also provides a feel for how the labour market is likely to change in the next 12 months. ...A bit fed up that my estimated salary is $20k less PA than it is in Sydney but for the moment just findng a job woud be good

How does the COL compare in Canberra to Sydney though (I really don't know), I'm contracting in Sydney for one of the big financial firms, and it feels expensive to me, I truly don't know how new arrivals cope on the average wage, unless they're willing to burn through their savings.

[Seasider]

Originally Posted by freebo How does the COL compare in Canberra to Sydney though (I really don't know), I'm contracting in Sydney for one of the big financial firms, and it feels expensive to me, I truly don't know how new arrivals cope on the average wage, unless they're willing to burn through their savings.

Yes, I was about to ask the same. What are property prices like? I too have no idea; maybe quoll can educate us.

[freebo]

On another note Paul, what made you go for the ACT? Was it a sponsorship thing, as most IT work I've seen advertised there was for citizens only due to govt security clearance, are you seeing opportunities for PR's?

[Beedubya]

Originally Posted by freebo How does the COL compare in Canberra to Sydney though (I really don't know), I'm contracting in Sydney for one of the big financial firms, and it feels expensive to me, I truly don't know how new arrivals cope on the average wage, unless they're willing to burn through their savings.

Never mind the new arrivals what about us long termers??

I rented a really nice flat in the Shire about 4 years ago for $240 per week, in July 2010 when I was looking a flat came up in the same block for $380 a week!! That is some jump in price!!

[paulry]

Originally Posted by freebo How does the COL compare in Canberra to Sydney though (I really don't know), I'm contracting in Sydney for one of the big financial firms, and it feels expensive to me, I truly don't know how new arrivals cope on the average wage, unless they're willing to burn through their savings.

Yes, it is very expensive. It's definately a two wage earner kind of place to live.

Originally Posted by Seasider Yes, I was about to ask the same. What are property prices like? I too have no idea; maybe quoll can educate us.

As far as I can tell, property prices here are about the same as Sydney.

Originally Posted by freebo On another note Paul, what made you go for the ACT? Was it a sponsorship thing, as most IT work I've seen advertised there was for citizens only due to govt security clearance, are you seeing opportunities for PR's?

We came here on ACT sponsorship to fast track our application. It's not a bad place to live but the limitation on jobs for PRs is a bit worrying. Thinking of taking a temp role for a while and finishng off my MS certification. That should help offset the disadvantage that non-citizens suffer here.

[Seasider]

The Geek says most software companies have a presence in Canberra - his certainly does - and they would be your best bet if you have relevant experience. Of course they'll have some projects requiring security clearance but not all.

(He's often down there seeing govt. clients and prospects.)

[Pollyana]

Originally Posted by paulry Yes, it is very expensive. It's definately a two wage earner kind of place to live. As far as I can tell, property prices here are about the same as Sydney. We came here on ACT sponsorship to fast track our application. It's not a bad place to live but the limitation on jobs for PRs is a bit worrying. Thinking of taking a temp role for a while and finishng off my MS certification. That should help offset the disadvantage that non-citizens suffer here.

The security clearance need not be a 100% bar to a job, depends on the company/govt dept involved. It is possible to get a clearance on someone who is not an Aussie, its just a longer process and far more expensive and complex for them. Also they need to sign a waiver with ASIO to say that they are aware of the non-citizen status and any associated risks. Don't do the financial details, but timewise we were quoted 18 months for a UK citizen.
Worth bearing in mind if the subject comes up and they are open to negotiation

[paulry]

Originally Posted by Pollyana The security clearance need not be a 100% bar to a job, depends on the company/govt dept involved. It is possible to get a clearance on someone who is not an Aussie, its just a longer process and far more expensive and complex for them. Also they need to sign a waiver with ASIO to say that they are aware of the non-citizen status and any associated risks. Don't do the financial details, but timewise we were quoted 18 months for a UK citizen. Worth bearing in mind if the subject comes up and they are open to negotiation

I believe one way around it is to work through an agency. They can get past the Australian citizen requirement. And the requirement doesn't apply to most ACT government posts - it's just the Federal ones.

[DeadVim]

May I summarise the answer to the OP's question and venture an answer?

No.

I'm providing a public service, don't thank me now

[Sherlock Holmes]

Originally Posted by DeadVim May I summarise the answer to the OP's question and venture an answer? No. I'm providing a public service, don't thank me now

You took the words right out of my mouth. How are you, "Winner"

[DeadVim]

Originally Posted by alistairboyle You took the words right out of my mouth. How are you, "Winner"

I can only take 16 pages before an intervention is required

I feel like a winner, Michael Winner, and it does not sit well with me.

Originally Posted by Beedubya I rented a really nice flat in the Shire about 4 years ago for $240 per week, in July 2010 when I was looking a flat came up in the same block for $380 a week!! That is some jump in price!!

An average of 10.5% per year, definitely higher than wages have risen.

That's a much bigger average annual jump than up here in Brisbane, assuming the same size flat.

2007 saw the big rise in rents in the Shire though.
From 2003 to 2006 the average rose by a total of $40pw from $340 to $380, but in the next year to Dec 2007 it jumped $60 to $440pw. Not sure what the average is now.

[moneypenny20]

Originally Posted by DeadVim I can only take 16 pages before an intervention is required I feel like a winner, Michael Winner, and it does not sit well with me.

I've just, ever so slightly, gone off you.............

Originally Posted by paulry A quick question: Several times I've heard it said that regardless of the exchange rate that we are getting, Aus prices in the shops are still kind of locked onto the previously £1 = $2.50 value. Does this also mean that (as a rule of thumb) if you were earning say £50k PA in blighty then a fair "guestimate" Aus salary expectation would be around $125k PA? Thanks (I'm filling out online job application forms right now and getting a bit stuck n required salary question).

£50k is 2.18 times the average UK wage, according to www.statistics.gov.uk,
and 2.18 times the average QLD wage would be $145,000, so your guestimate is not too far off.