Australia

Employment taxes

• Income tax is withheld via PAYG (Pay As You Go), so you never get a shock at tax time.
• Employers also handle superannuation (retirement fund) contributions - 11.5% of your salary as of mid‑2024.
• No surprises: taxes are spread evenly through the year.

Leave policy

• Annual leave: 20 paid vacation days per year (full-time employees)
• Public holidays: 7–13 days per year depending on the state or territory.
• Sick leave: 10 paid days per year, covered by your employer at 100%
• Parental leave: Maternity and paternity leave no longer exist in Australia. Employees who have worked for 12 months are entitled to 20 weeks of paid parental leave funded by the government, plus up to 24 months of unpaid leave.

Employment termination

Termination in Australia is structured and protected by law, no sudden exits or grey areas.

• Notice period: Depends on how long you’ve worked for your employer, ranging from 1 to 4 weeks. Longer notice may apply if you're over 45 and have been employed for 2+ years.
• Probation period: Usually up to 6 months, during which notice periods can be shorter and dismissal is easier (but still fair).
• Severance: Employees are entitled to redundancy pay if their role is genuinely made redundant, this starts at 4 weeks’ pay for 1–2 years of service and can go up to 16 weeks for 10+ years.

All terminations must be based on a valid reason (like performance or redundancy) and follow due process. Unfair dismissal laws apply to most employees after the probation period, offering an extra layer of protection.

Hiring and contracts

Employment contracts in Australia are clear, formal, and governed by law.

• Contracts must be in writing and are typically provided in English.
• Most roles are permanent or fixed‑term, with clear contracts under the Fair Work Act.
• Standard contracts include details about your job duties, salary, working hours, location, leave entitlements, probation period, and notice period.

Payroll and salary payments

Getting paid in Australia is straightforward and reliable.

• Frequency: Most employees are paid weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on the employer.
• Minimum wage: The national minimum wage is AUD 24.10 per hour (as of 2024), but many employees earn more based on awards or agreements.
• Reporting: Employers use Single Touch Payroll (STP) to report your pay, taxes, and superannuation to the government in real time.
• Deductions: Employers are responsible for deducting income tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation contributions from your salary before it's paid out. You’ll see all of this clearly on your payslip.

Pay is deposited directly into your bank account, and payslips must be provided each time. It’s all highly regulated.

Benefits

• Mandatory: annual leave, sick leave, parental leave, superannuation, workers’ comp
• Optional: private health, extra wellness packages, bonuses, flexible work arrangements.

Monthly living cost (Canberra edition)

Australia isn’t cheap, but wages are strong and the quality of life is high. Here's a rough monthly estimate for living in the capital city:

• Rent (1‑bedroom apartment in Canberra): AUD 1,800 - 2,400
• Utilities & groceries: AUD 800 - 1,200
• Public transport: AUD 120 - 180/month for a commuter pass, depending on the city
• Coffee & dining out: A coffee costs around AUD 4.50 - 5, and a casual meal is AUD 15 - 25
• Total estimate: AUD 2,600 - 3,600/month, depending on lifestyle

Sydney and Melbourne are more expensive, especially when it comes to rent. In central areas, a one-bedroom apartment can cost AUD 2,400 - 3,000+, but these cities also offer more job opportunities, public transport options, and international communities.

How to get a Tax File Number (TFN)

• Essential if you're working or getting paid in Australia
• Apply online via ATO once you arrive
• Needed by employers to deduct tax

Social Security Registration

• Through your TFN you’re automatically in
• Covers Medicare (public health), sick leave, parental leave, retirement, etc.

Banking

• Open an account at big banks like Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB or Westpac
• Need passport + visa + proof of address.

Housing and rental

• Find places via domain.com.au or realestate.com.au
• Rental agreement spells out rent, bond, repairs
• Tenant rights include fair notice, bond refund rules, and safe housing standards.

Healthcare system

• Mix of public (Medicare) and private
• Public system covers GP visits, hospital stays; you can top up with private insurance
• Quality is modern, efficient, and widely available.

Driving and public transport

Getting around in Australia is easy, whether you're behind the wheel or on a tram.

• Driving is on the left-hand side of the road (steering wheel on the right).
• You can use your international driver’s license for up to 3 months, then you’ll need to switch to an Australian one (rules vary by state).
• Public transport is reliable and widely used in major cities with trains, buses, ferries, and trams available in places like Sydney and Melbourne.
• Ridesharing apps like Uber, DiDi, and Ola are very popular, especially in urban areas.
• Cycling is common too, particularly in Melbourne, Canberra, and Brisbane, with many cities offering dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs.

Emergency and important contacts

• Ambulance, Fire, Police: 000
• Health Direct: 1800 022 222 (for medical advice)
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (mental health support)

Work permit and visa requirements

• Australians & NZ citizens work freely
• EU/non-EU: most need visas like
• Subclass 482 (temporary skilled worker, employer‑sponsored)
• Subclass 189/190 (points‑based PR paths)
• Working Holiday 417/462 (if eligible), temporary but fun!

Business culture and work norms

• Friendly, informal, first‑name basis, even with bosses.
• Flat hierarchies, honest & direct communication
• Teamwork and meritocracy matter, get respect by contributing, not titles.