mechanical430

Hi All,

Could you tell me what Centerlink exactly do? I'm a new migrant and I heard they provide assistance in finding out job as well. Today, I called Centerlink and they told me they only pay the unemployed guys and dont assist migrants in finding job. Is that right?

Thanks

Pollyana

Sounds about right to me.

Catch

that is right,you will find these guys far more helpfull than their counterparts in the uk

mechanical430

Ok So I should look for private agencies to search for job instead of relying any govt body?

Dorothy

You should rely on yourself to find a job. Agencies can help, but it's up to you to find your own work. Look on the internet, send resumes out, phone companies in your field of work.

Everywhere

, a bit confused that a new migrant who has no job is not an unemployed guy?

Smartinis

You are unemployed but will not be entitled to an unemployment benefit for at least 2 years. It doesn't work the same way as in the UK, where "new migrants" can apply for the dole from day 1. You are suppose to arrive with enough money to be able to support yourself.

Everywhere

Mm, understand now. Thank you, your explanation is very clear.

ABCDiamond

Correct.

Also, Centrelink sometimes refers people to Government sponsored Job Agencies, but these agencies only help people who are able to claim unemployment benefits. They do not help people that are unable to claim unemployment benefit, whether new migrants or not.

A new Migrant MUST have ways to support themselves for the first two years, whether by savings or finding work. And the government does NOT assist with finding that work.

Pomster

Although you can register for a job seekers id with centrelink. This entitles you to apply for jobs which say " job seeker ID preferred'....not sure of criteria, but some Centrelink people are not overly helpful. Took H a while to find out about this and the registration lasts only 3 months.

It does nothing beyond identifying you have registered your interest to work with Centrelink. Some govt appointed job seeker agencies (esp on JobSearch.com.au) demand this number.....no idea why- perhaps the employer gets some incentive?

ABCDiamond

It's the 'govt appointed job seeker agencies' that get the incentive. They get paid, by the government, for each person they help. Take a look at Mrs Rudd's old business... Made her fortune out of the job seekers in Australia.

raven

Although i wish this was the case i know lots of ex pats who have applied and got things like rent assist etc knowing full well they have 1000s in bank accounts in the uk waiting to send over. All scroungers should stay well away from Aus in my opinion

JAJ

Some Centrelink payments are not subject to the 2 year waiting period. However, if there is an asset test, and someone works around this by not declaring foreign assets (barring a specific exemption) then that is fraudulent and illegal.

Pollyana

Why just Aus? Wouldn't it be better not to be a scrounger anywhere?
And as JAJ says, not declaring foreign assets is fraudulent.

fish.01

Though I don't think the family payments/rent assistance do have asset tests anyway. Would only be relevant if they had very significant savings that would earn enough interest to send them over the income test limits.