Settlement Challenges , Australia Immigration

When you first migrate to Australia, there is a two year waiting period before you are entitled to receive social security payments including sickness, unemployment and student benefits from Centrelink (Australia's Social Security Department).

It is therefore essential that you have sufficient funds to support yourself (and your family) for at least your first 2 years in Australia. If you are being sponsored by a relative in Australia, you should ensure they are fully aware of their obligations over this two year period.

For those keen on building their own home, it is possible to buy land and have your house built on it. Building houses is strictly regulated by local and state government regulations. You will need to involve an architect, builders and local authorities, and only licensed contractors/builders can carry out building work. Some states have 'owner builder' schemes, whereby the land owner can be licensed to do much of the construction work themselves whilst supervised by the local government.

Irrespective of what your option is, to rent or to buy, you must read all contracts very carefully, especially the fine print, and ensure you understand it. The contract is legally binding after you put your signature on it, so if you are unsure or have any questions you must seek legal advice before signing. Legal Aid offices, located in each State and Territory, can assist you with legal advice.

Health Care in Australia

As a permanent resident, you will receive immediate entitlement to public healthcare, administered through a government scheme called Medicare. This is an Australia-wide health insurance scheme, funded through income tax.

• free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital;
• free or subsidised treatment by doctors in a general practice; and
• subsidies on some medicines and treatment by participating specialists.

Private health insurance also plays an important role in the health care system in Australia, providing about 11% of national health care funding. There are many healthcare funds in the marketplace and each offers a variety of schemes and different levels of cover.

People with private health insurance receive benefits such as choice of doctor, choice of hospital and shorter waiting periods for non-urgent procedures. Private health insurance can also help with the cost of services such as dental, optical, physiotherapy and podiatry services.

All health funds operate 'qualifying periods', whereby new customers have to wait a specified period before being eligible to claim non-emergency treatments and services. When comparing health funds, you should pay particular attention to these waiting periods, as they can vary considerably.