Trying to decide if we return to Oz or not
#1
Trying to decide if we return to Oz or not
Hi guys, I`m from Perth W.A. but moved to England with my girlfriend (now wife) 10 or so years ago. We live in Maidstone, Kent. She works in retail (photography), and I work in tv broadcasting (transmission). Her English parents (and brothers) live in Perth. So do my parents but we don`t bother with them anymore.
atm I have a job on the west side of London, near Gerrards Cross. Shift patterns are 5 on, 5 off pretty much, so when I`m on shift (12 hours at a time), I stay at a B&B over this side of London, as it`s cheaper (and safer) than driving back to Maidstone (which is on the other side of London) each shift. B&B is £12 a night vs £25 diesel per day. Plus the hour and a half on the M25 each way.
Anyway, I`m giving you this background because we are having a baby, which is due May 24th. I don`t really want to be spending half my life away from my wife/baby (I want to help her out as much as possible), so I`m trying to get another decent job closer to home..... but there`s only one tv place there and nothing is happening with it atm.
So if I can`t get closer to home (and we can`t afford to rent around Gerrards Cross), then we`re thinking about going back to Perth. We can stay at Mandyleigh`s parents` house for as long as we want, and our stuff being shipped would have to stay in storage somewhere.
What I`m worried about is the fact that Perth (afaik) has no tv industry, as iirc all the broadcasting is done from Sydney, and just delayed for broadcast in Perth, except of course for any live sports events. So it seems my scope for employment in my field is extremely limited in Perth.
My job is basically computer based, so I could do practically any other software controlling job, but I think that may also be very limited in Perth.
But it has to be Perth if we come back, due to family ties and Mandyleigh`s parents can help with the baby.... and we think it`s important for the baby to have it`s Grandparents around.
Here`s my questions:
Is it crap in Perth atm for decent jobs?
Hopefully I`d be allowed to go on the dole until I got a job, but I don`t have a clue how long you have to wait to get any money (like in the UK it`s 6 weeks at least), or how much the dole would be.
With shipping stuff, my wife has some furniture her Aunt gave her after she died. It`s wood, so would we be able to ship that over or would customs burn it? What about leather furniture?
My wife would like to take her Toyota Rav 4 (1996 3 door) across. It cost us £5000 2nd hand a few years ago and we could probably sell it for £4000 here. From what I`ve read about the import duties it probably wouldn`t be worth taking... what do you think?
We have 2 dogs which would cost £1000 each to take across (what a rip-off), unless anyone has any idea how it could be done cheaper?
Cheers for any advice on the state of play in Perth atm.
atm I have a job on the west side of London, near Gerrards Cross. Shift patterns are 5 on, 5 off pretty much, so when I`m on shift (12 hours at a time), I stay at a B&B over this side of London, as it`s cheaper (and safer) than driving back to Maidstone (which is on the other side of London) each shift. B&B is £12 a night vs £25 diesel per day. Plus the hour and a half on the M25 each way.
Anyway, I`m giving you this background because we are having a baby, which is due May 24th. I don`t really want to be spending half my life away from my wife/baby (I want to help her out as much as possible), so I`m trying to get another decent job closer to home..... but there`s only one tv place there and nothing is happening with it atm.
So if I can`t get closer to home (and we can`t afford to rent around Gerrards Cross), then we`re thinking about going back to Perth. We can stay at Mandyleigh`s parents` house for as long as we want, and our stuff being shipped would have to stay in storage somewhere.
What I`m worried about is the fact that Perth (afaik) has no tv industry, as iirc all the broadcasting is done from Sydney, and just delayed for broadcast in Perth, except of course for any live sports events. So it seems my scope for employment in my field is extremely limited in Perth.
My job is basically computer based, so I could do practically any other software controlling job, but I think that may also be very limited in Perth.
But it has to be Perth if we come back, due to family ties and Mandyleigh`s parents can help with the baby.... and we think it`s important for the baby to have it`s Grandparents around.
Here`s my questions:
Is it crap in Perth atm for decent jobs?
Hopefully I`d be allowed to go on the dole until I got a job, but I don`t have a clue how long you have to wait to get any money (like in the UK it`s 6 weeks at least), or how much the dole would be.
With shipping stuff, my wife has some furniture her Aunt gave her after she died. It`s wood, so would we be able to ship that over or would customs burn it? What about leather furniture?
My wife would like to take her Toyota Rav 4 (1996 3 door) across. It cost us £5000 2nd hand a few years ago and we could probably sell it for £4000 here. From what I`ve read about the import duties it probably wouldn`t be worth taking... what do you think?
We have 2 dogs which would cost £1000 each to take across (what a rip-off), unless anyone has any idea how it could be done cheaper?
Cheers for any advice on the state of play in Perth atm.
#2
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Re: Trying to decide if we return to Oz or not
Originally posted by Stormz
Hopefully I`d be allowed to go on the dole until I got a job, but I don`t have a clue how long you have to wait to get any money (like in the UK it`s 6 weeks at least), or how much the dole would be.
Hopefully I`d be allowed to go on the dole until I got a job, but I don`t have a clue how long you have to wait to get any money (like in the UK it`s 6 weeks at least), or how much the dole would be.
You also have to satisfy Centrelink that it is your intention to settle PERMANENTLY in OZ.
Other migrants would have to wait the 2 year period before becoming eligible.
#3
No problem in satisfying centrelink I think.
We have $30k in a savings account in Perth (where it`s been for over 3 years), but surely I can keep that a secret anyway, as we won`t be bringing much dosh over with us, which is what they`d be asking us about when we get off the plane.
My wife has dual nationality (English/Oz), and I am Australian, but I should apply for british citizenship before I return actually....
Our kid is going to be born here so he/she has a UK passport.
We have $30k in a savings account in Perth (where it`s been for over 3 years), but surely I can keep that a secret anyway, as we won`t be bringing much dosh over with us, which is what they`d be asking us about when we get off the plane.
My wife has dual nationality (English/Oz), and I am Australian, but I should apply for british citizenship before I return actually....
Our kid is going to be born here so he/she has a UK passport.
#4
Re: Trying to decide if we return to Oz or not
Originally posted by Stormz
Hi guys, I`m from Perth W.A. but moved to England with my girlfriend (now wife) 10 or so years ago. We live in Maidstone, Kent. She works in retail (photography), and I work in tv broadcasting (transmission). Her English parents (and brothers) live in Perth. So do my parents but we don`t bother with them anymore.
Cheers for any advice on the state of play in Perth atm.
Hi guys, I`m from Perth W.A. but moved to England with my girlfriend (now wife) 10 or so years ago. We live in Maidstone, Kent. She works in retail (photography), and I work in tv broadcasting (transmission). Her English parents (and brothers) live in Perth. So do my parents but we don`t bother with them anymore.
Cheers for any advice on the state of play in Perth atm.
We are in Perth and certainly in our experience jobs are harder to come by. You may get some advice from Owieb and Renth who have established careers in the wide realms of the computer industry.
My hubby Chris says that perth has got a lot busier since he was last here 3 years ago. Lots of housing development, more cars on the road. I know compared to a major Uk city Perth is supposed to be traffic free, but if they didn't have such wide roads and mulitple lanes I don't think anyone would get very far very fast.
My understanding is wages haven't risen much but the cost of living has. I can't see you would find Perth anymore interesting than you did when you lived here previously.
If you do not bother much with your relatives is that because of the distance, are you able to achieve the supportive family network that you desire for your baby if you return?
If you have some money in the bank here and can claim welfare payments to help support you, you may find living here in your childs formative years with family around is a blessing.
Check out the posts from Wilf and PB, they were generallly very critical of perth but they had lived here for 9+ years you may understand some of their opinions better as you come from perth.
Good luck
#5
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Originally posted by Stormz
No problem in satisfying centrelink I think.
We have $30k in a savings account in Perth (where it`s been for over 3 years), but surely I can keep that a secret anyway, as we won`t be bringing much dosh over with us, which is what they`d be asking us about when we get off the plane.
My wife has dual nationality (English/Oz), and I am Australian, but I should apply for british citizenship before I return actually....
Our kid is going to be born here so he/she has a UK passport.
No problem in satisfying centrelink I think.
We have $30k in a savings account in Perth (where it`s been for over 3 years), but surely I can keep that a secret anyway, as we won`t be bringing much dosh over with us, which is what they`d be asking us about when we get off the plane.
My wife has dual nationality (English/Oz), and I am Australian, but I should apply for british citizenship before I return actually....
Our kid is going to be born here so he/she has a UK passport.
I've just sent you a PM.
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by Stormz
No problem in satisfying centrelink I think.
We have $30k in a savings account in Perth (where it`s been for over 3 years), but surely I can keep that a secret anyway, as we won`t be bringing much dosh over with us, which is what they`d be asking us about when we get off the plane.
My wife has dual nationality (English/Oz), and I am Australian, but I should apply for british citizenship before I return actually....
Our kid is going to be born here so he/she has a UK passport.
No problem in satisfying centrelink I think.
We have $30k in a savings account in Perth (where it`s been for over 3 years), but surely I can keep that a secret anyway, as we won`t be bringing much dosh over with us, which is what they`d be asking us about when we get off the plane.
My wife has dual nationality (English/Oz), and I am Australian, but I should apply for british citizenship before I return actually....
Our kid is going to be born here so he/she has a UK passport.
If an Australian Citizen gets British Citizenship he/she loses Australian Citizenship.
If a PR returns to UK, and the return visas expires, a new visa will need to be obtained and centrelink will impose the 24 month waiting rule from that date.
If an Australian has a baby in the UK, register with the Australian authorities to ensure an Australian Passport is obtained before travelling back to OZ.
A child born outside Australia may be registered as an Australian Citizen by descent up until their 25th birthday if one or both of the natural parents was an Australian Citizen at the time of the child's birth.
#7
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Originally posted by ABCDiamond
Some points for everyone to be aware of:
If an Australian Citizen gets British Citizenship he/she loses Australian Citizenship.
If a PR returns to UK, and the return visas expires, a new visa will need to be obtained and centrelink will impose the 24 month waiting rule from that date.
If an Australian has a baby in the UK, register with the Australian authorities to ensure an Australian Passport is obtained before travelling back to OZ.
A child born outside Australia may be registered as an Australian Citizen by descent up until their 25th birthday if one or both of the natural parents was an Australian Citizen at the time of the child's birth.
Some points for everyone to be aware of:
If an Australian Citizen gets British Citizenship he/she loses Australian Citizenship.
If a PR returns to UK, and the return visas expires, a new visa will need to be obtained and centrelink will impose the 24 month waiting rule from that date.
If an Australian has a baby in the UK, register with the Australian authorities to ensure an Australian Passport is obtained before travelling back to OZ.
A child born outside Australia may be registered as an Australian Citizen by descent up until their 25th birthday if one or both of the natural parents was an Australian Citizen at the time of the child's birth.
Last edited by bondipom; Jan 10th 2004 at 12:39 am.
#8
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Posts: n/a
Originally posted by bondipom
No longer lose their citizenship when obtaining another citizenship. The law has changed although not retrospectively for those who have lost their Australian Citizenship in the past.
No longer lose their citizenship when obtaining another citizenship. The law has changed although not retrospectively for those who have lost their Australian Citizenship in the past.
#9
Cheers guys,
I thought Aus had dual citizenship for ppl like me who would like to get UK cs as well, `cos otherwise it would be a tad unfair as in Oz you can have dual citizenship (Aus/UK) like my wife, after she got naturalized.
Do I really have to get our baby a passport before going back to Aus? I thought as I`m Australian he/she would automatically be allowed to live in Oz with us. It would really set us back if we had to wait here while our newborn waited for an Oz passport (can`t they just go on the mothers passport??) .... plus the expense of getting a baby passport... weird.
I thought Aus had dual citizenship for ppl like me who would like to get UK cs as well, `cos otherwise it would be a tad unfair as in Oz you can have dual citizenship (Aus/UK) like my wife, after she got naturalized.
Do I really have to get our baby a passport before going back to Aus? I thought as I`m Australian he/she would automatically be allowed to live in Oz with us. It would really set us back if we had to wait here while our newborn waited for an Oz passport (can`t they just go on the mothers passport??) .... plus the expense of getting a baby passport... weird.
#10
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Originally posted by ABCDiamond
When did that happen ? I knew it was in the pipeline, but didn't realise it had happened. I must let Centrelink know this new info
When did that happen ? I knew it was in the pipeline, but didn't realise it had happened. I must let Centrelink know this new info
Here is some detailed info. Some people can regain their Australian citizenship.
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/faq.htm#9
#11
If you do not bother much with your relatives is that because of the distance, are you able to achieve the supportive family network that you desire for your baby if you return?
My wife`s family is fantastic... very helpful and loving. And we think our kid deserves to have some grandparents around. We`d love to stay in the UK for alot of reasons (history, scenery, travel etc), but not if I have to spend half a month away from home (and baby).
Perth can be wonderful.... but like anywhere it`s only really great if you can afford it.... so a decent job is a worry. I have a good job here (£25k), but soon it`ll be just my wage coming in. We also can`t afford to buy a house here anymore (unless the market crashes), whereas in Perth it`s cheaper and we have a place to stay until we find our feet.... and we would have some help with the baby.
On the other hand I`ll never get to go to Prague, or Pompeii, or New York etc if we go back to Perth (but I could snorkel and surf again at Scarborough beach!).
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by Stormz
Cheers guys,
I thought Aus had dual citizenship for ppl like me who would like to get UK cs as well, `cos otherwise it would be a tad unfair as in Oz you can have dual citizenship (Aus/UK) like my wife, after she got naturalized.
Do I really have to get our baby a passport before going back to Aus? I thought as I`m Australian he/she would automatically be allowed to live in Oz with us. It would really set us back if we had to wait here while our newborn waited for an Oz passport (can`t they just go on the mothers passport??) .... plus the expense of getting a baby passport... weird.
Cheers guys,
I thought Aus had dual citizenship for ppl like me who would like to get UK cs as well, `cos otherwise it would be a tad unfair as in Oz you can have dual citizenship (Aus/UK) like my wife, after she got naturalized.
Do I really have to get our baby a passport before going back to Aus? I thought as I`m Australian he/she would automatically be allowed to live in Oz with us. It would really set us back if we had to wait here while our newborn waited for an Oz passport (can`t they just go on the mothers passport??) .... plus the expense of getting a baby passport... weird.
"9. My child is an Australian citizen. Can he or she travel on my foreign passport or their own foreign passport?
An Australian citizen under the 18 years of age may be issued with an Australian Declaratory visa (ADV) in either their own foreign passport of in one of their parents' passports. ADVs are administrative documents valid for 5 years from the date of grant" I would say you would need to get one or the other, we got the passport, but can't recall how long it took.
The lack of Australians being allowed Dual Citizenship did used to be unfair, but obviously OK now, although not everyone knows about it
#13
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2002
Location: Dream life UK....
Posts: 2,912
Originally posted by ABCDiamond
This info from bondipoms link:
"9. My child is an Australian citizen. Can he or she travel on my foreign passport or their own foreign passport?
An Australian citizen under the 18 years of age may be issued with an Australian Declaratory visa (ADV) in either their own foreign passport of in one of their parents' passports. ADVs are administrative documents valid for 5 years from the date of grant" I would say you would need to get one or the other, we got the passport, but can't recall how long it took.
The lack of Australians being allowed Dual Citizenship did used to be unfair, but obviously OK now, although not everyone knows about it
This info from bondipoms link:
"9. My child is an Australian citizen. Can he or she travel on my foreign passport or their own foreign passport?
An Australian citizen under the 18 years of age may be issued with an Australian Declaratory visa (ADV) in either their own foreign passport of in one of their parents' passports. ADVs are administrative documents valid for 5 years from the date of grant" I would say you would need to get one or the other, we got the passport, but can't recall how long it took.
The lack of Australians being allowed Dual Citizenship did used to be unfair, but obviously OK now, although not everyone knows about it
I was stopped at Brisbane Immigration (as I tried to leave) long ago but the point is Aussie kids need their own passports. Cant go on British parents passports or OZ parents passports they must have an aussie kids one. We did have one kid on My Brit passport, but was told if that was all we had they would not be allowed back into OZ! I dont understand it anymore, let alone the fact you get different information everytime you ring up, well thats if the call gets answered. Only bit I am sure of anymore is I have a Brit and OZ passport.
#14
right, will have to check into the baby visa thing.... if we come back we`ll be organanising it to come back a month or two after the baby is born....
So any advice on my other questions:
So any advice on my other questions:
Is it crap in Perth atm for decent jobs?
Hopefully I`d be allowed to go on the dole until I got a job, but I don`t have a clue how long you have to wait to get any money (like in the UK it`s 6 weeks at least), or how much the dole would be. How much is it roughly for a 34 yr old, a 32 yr old with an ikkle baby?
With shipping stuff, my wife has some furniture her Aunt gave her after she died. It`s wood, so would we be able to ship that over or would customs burn it? What about leather furniture?
My wife would like to take her Toyota Rav 4 (1996 3 door) across. It cost us £5000 2nd hand a few years ago and we could probably sell it for £4000 here. From what I`ve read about the import duties it probably wouldn`t be worth taking... what do you think?
We have 2 dogs which would cost £1000 each to take across (what a rip-off), unless anyone has any idea how it could be done cheaper?
Hopefully I`d be allowed to go on the dole until I got a job, but I don`t have a clue how long you have to wait to get any money (like in the UK it`s 6 weeks at least), or how much the dole would be. How much is it roughly for a 34 yr old, a 32 yr old with an ikkle baby?
With shipping stuff, my wife has some furniture her Aunt gave her after she died. It`s wood, so would we be able to ship that over or would customs burn it? What about leather furniture?
My wife would like to take her Toyota Rav 4 (1996 3 door) across. It cost us £5000 2nd hand a few years ago and we could probably sell it for £4000 here. From what I`ve read about the import duties it probably wouldn`t be worth taking... what do you think?
We have 2 dogs which would cost £1000 each to take across (what a rip-off), unless anyone has any idea how it could be done cheaper?
#15
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Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Posts: 524
Originally posted by Stormz
We`d love to stay in the UK for alot of reasons (history, scenery, travel etc), but not if I have to spend half a month away from home (and baby).
We`d love to stay in the UK for alot of reasons (history, scenery, travel etc), but not if I have to spend half a month away from home (and baby).