Well done on deciding to settle in Australia. Moving to a new country can be a stressful time, as many of you will have friends or family in Australia to gather information from there are different laws and information to gather as each state is different in Australia.
It is best to have your facts right before landing in a new country. That’s where this form comes in, with some extra information about your new country to ensure your time here runs as smoothly as possible.
For further information contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and read the pages ‘Living in Australia’ and ‘Beginning a life in Australia’ which are available in English and 37 other languages.
For more information regarding the Australian immigration system, please contact our Immigration Australia counselors.
Migrant Community Settlement Services
The Department of Home Affairs funds a range of community based organisations to help new migrants settle into the Australian way of life and become active members of the community as soon as possible. To find your nearest service go to www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/settle-in-australia/find-help/where-to-help/
Language education and assistance
There are many ways to learn english in Australia. One way is through The Department of Immigration and Citizenship as they provide two programs known as AMEP (Adult Migrant English Program) and the TIS National (Translating and Interpreting Service.Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
Learning English is the best way to help settle into Australia it will help you communicate and get on with day to day life with ease. AMEP offers English courses to those with very little or no English skills you will be given a skills test when you register with the AMEP and if you qualify can be offered up to 510 hours tuition. This can be studied either in class or through distance education depending on you circumstances.
You must register with AMEP within 3 month of coming to Australia and start within 1 year of registering. You may beable to delay if there are unforseen circumstances.
For further information contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship:
Telephone: 131 881
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
If you do not speak or understand English when you are in an Emergency, speaking to a Government agency, seeking medical advice and even if you want to change any important documents to English such as birth or marriage certificates, licences and education and employment documents you can contact this service for a translator.
TIS National can be contacted on 131 450.
For Doctors call 1300 131 450
Doctors can also book an on site interpreter by calling:
1300 654 151
Centrelink
Centrelink is the organisation which delivers social security payments. The information provided here is a guide only, there are many regulations, forms and other details which will contribute to whether
or not you will be eligible for Centrelink benefits.
There are Centrelink offices in most regions of Australia, you can call them or visit their website. If do not speak english well you should call 131 202 to have your questions answered in another language. Calls to Centrelink are charged at local rates, however may be higher if you are calling from a mobile or pay phone.
Help for families with children
Family Assistance is available for those with dependant children, there are many terms for these payments and you must have a permanent visa to recieve benefits although there can be exemptions.
Family Assistants is not enough to live off and the amount you receive will depend on how many children you have, how many are in care, how many days you work and how much tax you pay.
The assistance available include Family Tax Benefit Part A, and Part B, Child Care Benefit and Tax Rebate.
To use child care your child must be up to date with their immunisations. There are also different types of child care as in approved or registered centres which can effect your tax benefits and rebates.
The tax rebate for child care is 30%, this is dependant on your work and study load as well as the level of your income.
On offer is also the Baby Bonus which is a one off payment once a baby is born is Australia. Aswell as Maternity Immunisation Allowance, to insure all vaccines are up to date.
For further information you can contact either the, Family Assistance Office, Centrelink or the Australian Taxation Office.
Website: www.familyassist.gov.au
Telephone: 136 150 (Australia)
131 202 (If you need a translator)
For more information regarding the Australian immigration system, please contact our Immigration Australia counselors.
