About Australia
Introduction
Australia is often referred to as the "Lucky Country", with its spacious surroundings, high standard of living, excellent health and education system, temperate climate, wide and varied landscape, political and economic stability, and a general quality of life envied by many around the world. With year round good weather, Australia is famous for its BBQ's, crisp beers and a large variety of wines from Barossa / McLaren Vale in South Australia to Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
Though it is the smallest continent, Australia covers a land area of about 7.7 million square kilometers making it the sixth largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America and Brazil. Climatic zones range from tropical rainforests, deserts, and cool temperate forests to snow covered mountains.
Employment Opportunities
Australia is probably the fastest growing economy in the developed world and its economic growth in the recent times has created a great variety of employment opportunities for the new migrants. Australia is currently facing acute shortage of skills and the government has introduced several new initiatives to tackle this shortage. The appeal of Australia is evident in the large number of people who migrate under the Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) Migration Program every year. While the Federal Government had a migration quota of up to 93,000 visas in 2001-02, it is close to 140,000 in 2006-07, thus further enhancing the existing multicultural population.
Housing in Australia
The majority of Australians live within a radius of 50 kilometres of the capital cities and all of them boast of a beach lifestyle. n these larger cities there is a wide range of housing available. House architecture has been based predominantly on European and American styles, but modern housing is distinctly Australian.
As Australia has a substantial land mass, do not expect to see many clusters of high-rise residential areas (although inner city living has become more popular in recent years). Houses with large backyards, playing fields, parks and shopping centers nearby allow for a lifestyle envied by many people overseas.
Comfortable and spacious accommodation within one hour’s travel of city centers (or less) allows most Australians to enjoy the convenience of getting to work easily, plus the luxury of easy access to national parks and regional recreation areas on weekends.
Education
Australia has a well defined education system that is also known as the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). While school education is offered free of cost till year XII in the public sector schools, there are several good private and catholic schools in most areas. Australian education systems boasts of a large number of education providers, ranging from world renowned universities, technical and privately operated institutes offering a range of professional as well as trades related course. Awards range from certificates for every semester of education / training successfully completed to Doctorate Degrees. Most universities have a multi-campus structure, with each campus specializing in a particular discipline. Regional universities, some offering specialised courses, provide a full tertiary experience with students having the choice to live on campus and participating in various activities in the local community.
Healthcare
Australia has one of the better health care systems in the world and it called Medicare. Medicare provides health care services and programs such as free public hospital care, help with the cost of out-of-hospital care, and subsidized medicines to Australian citizens and Permanent Residents. However, in the recent times elective treatments such as cosmetic surgeries, eyes and dental care can be covered only with a private medical insurance.
Multicultural Society
Australia has a population of more than 20 million that is as culturally diverse as its flora and fauna. An estimate claims that nearly 30% of Australia’s population was born overseas and the ethnic ties extend to more than 140 countries. Australia is truly a melting pot of cultures ranging from the indigenous groups, early European settlement, particularly the UK and Ireland, to immigration from countries across the globe, including Italy, Greece, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka.
Australian States and Territories
State / Territory Capital
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Canberra (National Capital)
New South Wales (NSW) Sydney
Victoria (VIC) Melbourne
Queensland (QLD) Brisbane
Western Australia (WA) Perth
South Australia (SA) Adelaide
Northern Territory (NT) Darwin
Tasmania (TAS) Hobart
