Work in Australia

Australian employers are generally fair and treat their employees well. Some employers may try to offer you less than the minimum wage. This is generally illegal so do not accept a job like this. Go to IMMI for more information on the exploitation of foreign workers. You can also look at the Fair Work Commission website. Do not be afraid to talk to someone if you think you are being treated unfairly. Employers cannot cancel your visa or threaten you in any way.

BROWNS students do a variety of jobs, but common jobs include working as a barista, a bartender, a waiter or waitress, a cleaner, a cook, or a nanny. Those who are on a working holiday visa often spend time picking and packing fruit and vegetables. BROWNS offers a number of courses to help you prepare for work. Speak with us to learn how the Barista@BROWNS program can help you prepare for a job in hospitality, how BROWNS can assist with organising a paid internship, or how you can work as an Demi Pair while studying English.

How much you earn in your job will depend on many factors such as the industry you are working in, your qualifications, your experience in that field, and when and where you are working. During weekends and holidays wages are usually higher than on working days - normally your regular wage multiplied by 1.5 for weekends and by 2.5 for public holidays. This rule is not generally applicable for all employers. Many service jobs also get tips.

There is legislation in Australia which requires employers to pay a minimum wage rate paid in certain ways. You can check the minimum wage you’re entitled to with Fair Work Australia, a government body, at Fair Work Minimum Wage. Fair Work Australia also includes an Ombudsman who you can report unfair work treatment to.

The Australian tax year is 1 July to 30 June. At the end of the financial year, you should lodge a tax return, which determines if you have paid too much or too little income tax throughout the financial year. In many cases, you will receive some money back from the Australian Taxation Office. In 2018, the tax rates are as follows:

• $0 – $18,200: not taxed
• $18,201 – $45,000: taxed 19c for each $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $120,000: taxed $5,095 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $45,000
• $120,001 - $180,000: taxed $29,467 plus 37c for each $1 over $120,000
• $180,001 and over: taxed $51,667 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

Source: http://www.exfin.com/australian-tax-rates

In addition, if your monthly wage is more than AU$450, your employer must contribute an additional sum equal to 11% of your wage into a superannuation (pension) account for you. You will need to advise your employer of your superannuation fund, or they may be able to assist you with setting up your first one. In most cases, you can access your contributions when you leave Australia permanently, although the contributions will be taxed. To check your eligibility to claim your superannuation and to apply for your payment, visit: Australian Tax Office Superannuation, and Am I entitled to super?.

Every worker in Australia needs a 9 digit Tax file Number (TFN). It is very easy to get and can be applied for online. You will need an address for this: ATO Tax File Number. This is a very important number to remember as it is your TFN for life.

This depends on the job you are applying for. Bartenders need to complete the RSA qualification (Responsible Service of Alcohol). Baristas and sometimes waiters/waitresses require a Barista qualification. Nannies require a qualification (either cert, diploma or university degree) completed in any field relating to child-care, first aid, teaching etc. If you’re working with children under 18 years old, you will also need a Blue Card.

A curriculum vitae (or resume), in English, is essential for employers to learn about your experience, qualifications and skills. Many BROWNS students are proactive and walk around different workplaces and distribute their CVs to potential employers. Don’t forget – give your CV to a manager, not an employee – if the manager is unavailable, then ask for his/her details. Networking is also a good practice, and finding jobs by getting to know other students or workers is common in Australian culture. There are also a number of other ways to find a job such as looking online:

• Seek
• Gumtree
• CareerOne
• Gold Coast Student Jobs

Most students will wait for employers to phone them when an opportunity becomes available. Be confident and practice what you are going to say to the manager before you go. It is important you are confident when seeking a job opportunity.

During the Jobs Club session, a teacher will be able to look through your CV and check it for appropriacy and also proof-read it. You can get some ideas on how to prepare your CV in English by looking at:

• Wikihow
• Canva
• Resume-now

Have your CV ready for the face to face session and the teacher can proof-read it for you.

Many interviews tend to be quite informal. Australian workplaces do not exhibit a high power-distance relationship between employers and employees. Employers are generally looking for staff that they get along with, so it’s important you let your personality shine through. Here are a few tips on what to do and how to behave:

• It is very important in Australia that you show off your personality and a smile is always the easiest and most important way to greet anyone.
• When you first meet someone in Australia, it is normal to shake hands strongly (lightly with women is fine).
• Be polite but friendly whenever speaking to someone; don’t be shy and too quiet.
• You need to show that you have great conversational English skills. It is very normal to be talkative (not overly) and ask your own questions in an interview; be confident and prepared for any communication you may have while looking for work.
Further tips can be found here.

Take a copy of your CV and any references that you might have, although in most cases, referees are contacted by email or phone. Also, take a copy of your passport and visa.

What you wear depends on the type of position you are applying for, but in general, like most places, having a neat and tidy appearance will improve your chances of being accepted. If you are applying for a job in a hotel, then you should go in formal dress. For positions in a restaurant or bar, smart casual would be in order.

Opening a bank account can be done on arrival, just visit a bank with your passport and relevant documentation. Most people manage to open up a bank account with relative ease. The biggest banks are ANZ, Commonwealth, Westpac, National and Suncorp. You just need a passport, Tax File Number (TFN), address and a copy of your visa grant. Learn more about applying for a Tax File Number.