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08-Feb-2012
New Zealand Immigration - 622 EOI's Selected
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ABOUT AUSTRALIA
Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing ancient rock formations and pristine rainforests. It has 16 world heritage listed properties with its historic townships, bustling cities, vivid landscapes and exotic flora and fauna all adding to its unique appeal. Much of Australia's exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world and the lifestyle is one second to none. Sydney is ranked 10th in the overall quality of life and Australia is ranked
- 1st in overall prosperity and 10th in life satisfaction
- 6th in worldwide quality-of-life index.
- 4th on the Human Development Index
Original Inhabitants
Aboriginal people are the first inhabitants believed to have migrated some 42,000 – 48,000 years ago
Economy
Australia is one of the most laissez-faire capitalist economies. It has an estimated GDP of US$760.8 billion and a relatively high standard of living with an estimated GDP per capita of US$36,300. In 2009, Australia ranked 3rd in the overall Index of Economic Freedom.
Geography
Australia is an island continent and is the sixth largest country. It lies between Indian and Pacific oceans and has a total land area of 7.7 million sq. km, coastline of 36,735 km, population of around 21.7 million and population density of 3.6 per square kilometer.
Climate
The climate varies widely, but by far the largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid lands. The south-east and south-west corners have a temperate climate and the north has a tropical climate. The warmest months are December to March and winter is from June to August.
Cost of Living
The living expense varies according to individual lifestyle and there is no 'one size fits all' estimate. As a rough guide though, a household of four persons would be looking at a “basic” expense of roughly $40,000 - $48,000 per annum.
Housing
Australian cities offer a wide range of housing options from a single house on a block of land in the suburb of a big city or a flat in a high-rise block in an inner city area to a house on a large block of land in a rural area. The price of housing varies considerably between cities and within each city.
Education
School is compulsory for children aged between 5-15 years. Public schooling is free and users pay fees for private schooling. Tertiary education is government funded. While Universities are teaching and research institutions, VET and TAFE education prepares people for work in many occupations.
Health Care
Australia has a hybrid system of health care – private and public. Public Health care is administered by Medicare which provides universal access to free public hospital care and assistance with doctor’s fees, including specialists, participating optometrists or specified dental services.
Taxation
Worldwide income is taxed in Australia. However Australia has double taxation agreements with a number of countries to avoid income being taxed twice. Business tax is at 30% and Individual tax rate ranges between 15% lowest to 45% highest bracket plus Medicare Levy of 1.5%.
Driving
Australians drive on the left side of the road and maximum speed limit is 100 Km. You can drive for 3 months on a license issued by your home country.