Current situation in Australia

[weemster]

Hi All,

Currently going through the process of getting my independant visa for Australia (the process takes an age!) - I was wondering what the current job situation is like with regards to contract work in Australia, any advice, tips on locations etc.

All sensible replies are greatly appreciated (this is not a decision making exercise, thats been done and the basic driver is.....far to little time and far to much to experience in one lifetime)

[swamp]

Very good skiing over there. Not sure why you need a visa though. Do you speak the language?

[RichardCranium]

Very good skiing over there. Not sure why you need a visa though. Do you speak the language?

<ahem> Australia

[swamp]

<ahem> Australia

Crаp skiing over there. PITA getting a visa though. Do you speak the language?

[RedTag]

Actually, the cross-country skiing is some of the best in the world.

Melbourne and Sydney are the hotspots. You can either go ltd or go through a brolly. If you go ltd, you do not have as much flexibility as you do here wrt divs etc.

What is your skillset?

[JoJoGabor]

I found that most of the owrk was in Sydney although I did a 6 month stint in Brisbane. Not as many jobs but if you have good experience it is easy to get them as there is not so much competition. Much better work environment, more laid back than UK which can be frsutrating but not so many jumped-up stressed-out idiots.

Speaking to mates out there, they seem to be about 8 months behind us in the economic cycle so redundancies have been happening for a while. Industry is suffering, they have some competition from India but not as much as here.

You may struggle for work for a few months, my advice would be to buy a boat and enjoy the lifestyle while you wait.

[weemster]

Thanks Guys and Girls,

Current skillset is a .NET Jock. Although the sailing appeals I must admit.

I don't think in all honesty I will be over there till July 2010 - depends on
when the visa comes through.

Any advice of limited company stucture, accountants etc also very welcome

[RedTag]

For payroll brolly, these guys are very good: http://www.entitysolutions.com.au/

As mentioned, you do not have any real options wrt a ltd company "structure" - it's very different than here, but speak to a tax accountant in aus.

[deej]

We're currently going through Visa applications etc. too - I read in Computing (IIRC) that there are quite a few skills gaps which has prompted me to get off my backside and do something about it after just talking about it for years!

[JoJoGabor]

Yeah I was advised there was no such thing as ltd company over there for Contractors.

You can also try www.lesters.com.au - they were ok for me. You may qualify for LAFHA (Living away from home allowance), although I forget teh details meant a few extra hundred quid a week tax break. You may not be able to get it on your visa though.

Agents are pretty open, mine even told me the commission they were taking, and I checked with the client that she was telling the truth.

Its just easy over there!