Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

I am sure that these questions have been asked elsewhere on this forum, but there is so much stuff on here that I cannot find specific answers to then.
I am considering a job offer in Australia and am trying to work out my finances to see whether it is attractive or not. Therefore can someone please help me by offering answers to the following:

1. Do children get free schooling regardless of what visa class they hold if they are British? I could have a few different visa options of visa open to me.

2. What is the rate of income tax in Australia? My salay would be about AUD$80,000.

3 What is the current price of second hand cars in Australia? When I was there last (five years ago), prices were extraordinarily high compared to the UK.

Thank you in anticipation.
Best wishes
Neil

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

Schooling is not free in all states. Some charge upto 5000 per year. Although all schools have charges/costs of some sort. NSW charges, QLD is 'free' for state, but not private.

80,000 excluding Super is just over $5000 a month after tax. Check an online PAYE calc to confirm it..

Car prices for second hand are relatively high but they hold price fairly well. All depends on what you want!

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

Have a look on www.carsales.com.au

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

Can't really tell you if it's an attractive offer unless you tell us where you would be located, how many children etc etc etc.

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

If you have a 457 visa and are working in NSW or the ACT, then you have to pay school fees of approx $4500 per child. It might be more than that in the ACT - can't remember exactly. Those charges for 457 visa holders don't apply in any of the other states. If you have a permanent residence visa in any state (including NSW or the ACT), then you pay the nominal amount that everyone else pays.

Nationality of the children has nothing to do with it. British children are treated the same as children from Timbuctoo.

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

Thanks for the replies. I mentioned "British" because I thought that there might be reciprocal arrangements between the countries due to history.
There are two potential job locations: Brisbane or Canberra.
Thanks

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

Nothing has changed. The only difference as before is here, the mechanical parts fall to pieces before the bodywork.

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

Iv not heard many good things about Canberra. Personally, (and living here) I'd choose Brisbane!

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

I have read elsewhere on here that permanent residency are eligible for child tax rebates/offsets/benefits. I have been looking on the Australian Taxation Office website to see whether my family may be able to claim some of these, but phew it is difficult to understand.
Can someone please give a little bit of insight to me on whether a salary of $83,000 would allow us to be eligible for any of these benefits. I would be the sole earner, while my wife cared for our two children aged 9 and 11.
I am trying to budget and assess whether the salary is adequate, since I am discovering that there are many extra costs such as the high rental prices and now the school fees.
Thank you for any help at all with this subject. It is gratefully received as the information is baffling.
Neil

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

It might be a bit tight to live on that salary in the ACT, but you would be eligible for some benefits if that was your only income. Not sure of what exactly, but family tax B springs to mind, and you might get an allowance for school equipment costs- books are very expensive out here, though your kids are still primary age so probably wouldn't need to buy them.

I am vague about this as I am not eligible for any benefits at all, so have no idea of exact numbers.

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

Thanks,
My thoughts also turned to feeling that this salary might make things a bit tight. Initially it seemed high, but then I discovered the high cost of rentals and schooling.
I have looked at Family Tax B. What about Family Tax A? I cannot really see, on first inspection, much difference between the two in terms of their target families.

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

If only on 80k go for brisbane, cheaper.

Plus IMO far more to do.

A LOT of development on the North side and areas surrounding redcliffe/woody point.

I wouldnt get too excited with family tax benefits, if you claim too much they claim it back. Claim at end of tax year so you get correct entitlement.

State schools are 'free'. But sons free grade 11 cost us about $800 in book hire, levies, subject fees, computer usage fees etc. Silly prices on uniforms like $49 for a T shirt. Kids medical bills must be allowed for too, especially if they intend visiting a dentist/specialist.

Brisbane has a mountain of stuff to do on weekends, much of it for free.

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

What's the point in moving if you need tax credits to make it work :unsure:

Re: Three Quick Questions about Working in Australia
 

I agree. We shouldn't have any of that shit anyway. It would be better for the government to dump all this nanny-state welfare and cut taxes instead, but it will never happen.