huh? Isn't there a Centrelink in pretty much all towns/large suburbs all over the whole of Australia?

Retail offices yes but I think the OP is looking for a back office processing job.

oh ok, cool...didn't realise all the back office was done at 'Centrelink HQ'. Good point.

In relation to a qualification, there isn't one to take on this specific job. The training you do on the job is the learning you do. Takes two years for example to get even half decent at it.
Sorry it's just a very specific job I do.

Then don't assume you will be able to get a similar job here....bits of paper (qualifications) are everything here.....that and knowing the right people

Grayling, was there any need to be so hostile with that response??

I am not "assuming" anything! I was simply asking if the job existed in the first place! As a newby on here Im just putting the feelers out!

It's not hostile....it is reality.

Many people have found, to their cost, that experience does not count when they move countries.....you will be starting again

And unfortunately its especially common in the Aus government. They do love bits of paper

Just look into it, if a qualification is needed then you can study for it when you get here.

I found that in my job, they haven't so much cared about the bit of paper I studied for since arriving, they care more about the references I have had from all the employers I have worked for since starting work here. It did take me a year of temping with an agency to get a permanent position though!

On that subject, have you thought about contacting a few agencies with your current CV, ask them to assess it and ask for their advice on work when you get here?

Thanks Wendy.

Yeah had considered it but wasnt sure how helpful they would be as I wasn't looking for work right now.

Think it might be worth a shot?

if you don't ask, you don't get The worst that can happen is they ignore your e-mail.

Thanks Wendy, will give it a shot!

Exactly where was Grayling hostile? If all you want to hear is happy, upbeat, positive stuff you're going to be sadly let down.

What you do is indeed very specialised and unfortunately the same position here would be with Centrelink which is a federal department or a state government department. For Centrelink you need to be a citizen or eligible for citizenship. For state departments you need to be either a citizen or permanent resident. From the WA job boards I see the only thing that comes close to what you did is for pool only, which means if a job comes up you might be considered along with the other numerous people who are in the pool.

Just a quick point I'd mention, just because you have six years experience with the British benefits system doesn't mean you are capable of working in the Australian benefits system. You may, I don't know. All I do know is that in some professions previous experience from another country is considered totally irrelevant by the Australian counterpart - the Fire Service for example.

I have no idea how the whole set up here differs from the UK so whilst it's not what you want to hear, you do need to bear it in mind.

Stop being so hostile!