My husband is a panelbeater and we are hoping to go out on a 457 visa if all goes well in the new year. We trying to decide whether or not to take his tools or just buy new when we get to Aus....can anyone advise?

Would the employer not provide tools?

BB

They have said just take his favourites but it's a bit vague....They said there is a tool allowance but not sure how expensive tools are out there...he's been in the trade a long time and has a lot of tools...its cost of shipping verses buying new at the end of the day we think.

If you are going on a 457 take them with you in hold baggage on the aeroplane as if you ship them you won't have them until 10 weeks or so after you arrive, so you will have to buy some anyway.

BB

Or use a shipping company, but make sure they are sent air-freight. Nearly as quick as having them on the same flight as you - they may arrive a day or so later - and a lot cheaper than taking them as excess baggage with you on the plane.

There was no question of leaving the husband's tools behind but we were using a container anyway. Even if the company does supply tools in the work place, your husband is still likely to do some private work. Be daft to leave them behind in my opinion.

My hubby sold all his tools just before we came here - and has said never again, totally regrets it.

I'd bring them.

I nicked a shed load of tools before we came out, brought them with us and then nicked a shed load more. If you have a container coming bring the lot IMO. Being a superstitious type though, I didn't change any plugs on the electrical stuff until we had PR.

I had loads of tools and did not bring any of them regretted it ever since. I had thingies for tightening up whatsits and couldn't find anything like them when I got here. I also had a smallish but heavy wooden box full of nuts, bolts and washers of just about every possible thread, I could always find what I needed in that box, wish I had it now.

Thanks for your help everyone, decided to ship them out...from your replies it seems you should never separate a man from his tools!