Well it looks like my ship has come in as my gf has landed a top equestrian job for £500k for the next 12 months.
She's asked me to go with her - no brainer on that front, but what can I expect from Oz?
Been to Perth for the Ashrs and thought what a great place it was but living away over there is a different story.
I've seen many an episode of the tv series where they think about moving.
Pros and cons?
Well done Sir!!!
You'll need to go on the right visa to work over there (you used to have to get that outside Oz too). Just go - you could more than fill your time wandering around Australia but suspect you may wish to spend sometime with the Doris. Never been to Melbourne but hear it's a great place. Tell your girlfriend you both need 6 months off to explore at the end of it if possible.
Like you I loved Perth.
Well done to your girlfirend too.
Sounds like a nice opportunity.
Ive just got back from Melbourne, and I love it. I also really like Sydney. Some beautiful areas - good nightlife,coffee food etc. and the current exchange rate makes a great opportunity too.
Im weighing up where I'm going to live out there, and Melbourne is a distinct possibility. Jed "Jedly1" is out there, and Z I managed to meet up for s cuppa a few years back to talk watch and Melbourne. I've a few friends out there, and love going back.
Good luck :)
It's just a matter of time...
Congrats - great problem to have! Australia is a fantastic place to be for 12 months. Only advice Is to do as much travelling as poss :-)
If you are coming back to the UK, then I'd get paid sterling. There is quite a move in the currency at present - but I can't see it moving too much either side of around 1.9:1 - but you never know. The AUS$ has dropped around 25%+ since I was last over there though, and has been over 3:1, although I can't see that happening.
As I'll be living there, I don't see the point in me being paid anything other than local currency, but as a 1 or 2 year thing I'd want cash in my own home currency.
There are more sunshine hours per day, but less hours of daylight in Melbourne than the UK, and no 11pm light evenings in the summer like the UK - but I'm sure there is a lot more to make up for it.
Im lucky that all my visas are sorted out and I'm now a permanent resident visa holder - but if your employer is sorting it all out then it shouldn't be too much of a hassle.
It's just a matter of time...
Oh, and let me know if you ever have spare space on the jet ;), as it would be nice to get back occasionally to see the kids
It's just a matter of time...
I will let you know the score
Can't see it being an issue though
If there's room there's room
Congrats. Spent 6 weeks in Melbourne last August, too busy with work to do any looking around but I was told it was nice!
Currently waiting for my permanent residents visa to come through so I can get back there - don't want to put a downer on things but we've been told there are currently huge delays in the system due to staff shortages/budget cuts so get your application in the system as soon as you can would be my advice.
All the best.
I once went to Melbourne for 6 months.
Ended up staying for 13 years.
It's a nice place! ;) The only downside these days is that it got very expensive. Some things are more expensive than in London.
Returning via private jet will be painful because of the range - figure on 30hrs+ vs 21 for the fastest commercial. Can't they just pick up a few first-class tickets on one of those?Originally Posted by Sweepinghand
Expenses are very high, rental not as extreme as Sydney but it'll make your eyes water. On the other hand, wages are probably 50% higher than they are in the UK for most employment classes. Income tax is lower than the UK, even after you take their Medicare (=NHS) and superannuation (=National Insurance) levies into account. So definitely take the opportunity to make some cash, and park it offshore somewhere!
...but what do I know; I don't even like watches!
Just make sure your remuneration channel is 'blue sky clear' and not dependent on the whim of any agent or middle-person. As long as you have that nailed, it looks a great opportunity!
Sweepinghand, I think that was very unwise to put that in the public domain.
Some members here may work for the Australian Tax Office (ATO). There aren't fifty million hundred dozen Sheik's operating stables in Melbourne and it is not too hard to figure out now that the two new employees are not declaring income. I wouldn't be surprised if a TZ-UK member or two works for HMRC as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godolphin_Racing perchance?
Just sayin'...
And you quoted it, so he cant delete it :-)
My thread will die
Very good points! But I think it would have been nicer to say this via PM ...
I appreciate the comments made were not to cause a stink
nevermind
Last edited by KurtKlaus; 28th April 2015 at 11:32.
Beware the Australian tax man - google "Operation Wickenby" and remember that if you or your gf are here for more than a certain period you'll be liable to tax in Australia on income relating to work done here. There are special arrangements relating to visiting sports people and artists, but I'd be inclined to ensure that you get some decent tax advice before working out how the remuneration might work out.
Good luck, and enjoy Melbourne - like the Crowded House song - "Four Seasons in One Day", but better dressed, more formal than Sydney, with a nice cafe and restaurant culture.
Have a look at realestate.com.au or domain.com.au for an idea of property rental costs - you should be able to get somewhere nice in your budget.
"£500k for the next 12 months"
That is A$962,419.00 at the current exchange rate.
"we will be paid cash sterling
This will be bought into the uk via diplomatic bag if needed"
That is announcing prima facie intent to defraud the Commonwealth of Australia of tax, approximately A$441,532.31.
Base income: $962,419.00
Tax on income: $406,635.55
Medicare Levy: $19,248.38
Budget Repair Levy: $15,648.38
Low Income Tax Offset: $(0.00)
Total tax payable: A$441,532.31
Not only would you and your gf be subject to heavy penalties but your Shiek employer (or his company) as well for paying undeclared wages, even if delivered to the uk by diplomatic bag.
"VISA etc will be sorted by the Sheik that's employing I'm told" - Would that be a 457 Visa for both of you? Or would you be working without a Work Visa?
The Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) allows skilled workers to come to Australia and work for an approved business for up to four years.
You must be sponsored by an approved business. A business can sponsor someone for this visa if they cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to do the skilled work.
You can be in or outside Australia when you lodge your application.
There is a huge shortage in Australia of people qualified to "be working horses and tack I guess and keeping an eye on stuff needed" so there shouldn't be any problem for your Sheik should the media get hold of the story. Sorry, I can't find an icon for sarcasm.
"Very good points! But I think it would have been nicer to say this via PM".
PM? No, not really. The boast was made publicly. Having spent the best part of 20 years working as a fraud investigator for the Australian Government I do not resile from challenging what is a blatant boast of intent to defraud my country.
https://www.crimecommission.gov.au/o...oject-wickenby
With respect Camsfirie - your point is flawed. What you miss is that there is a requirement for individuals to declare their incomes in a manner prescribed by legislation - what is not a requirement is how they receive their salary, or in which currency, and usually not a requirement to restrict which country it is paid. Therefore I do not see any prima facie intent - although I appreciate that you may believe that there is. I do not see any statement saying I will not have to declare, or rather I will not be, declaring income because I am having it paid in a particular way.
It's just a matter of time...
Has anybody said income is not declared?
Sticks and wrong ends
My funds are taxable no matter which way paid
If the op had simply stated the gf will be paid a bucket of money and I'll get some work too, then no problem. It is the inclusion of the method of transferring the money that has the red flags up. Using such a method to transfer cash raises questions about the bona fides of the rest of the employment and payment agreement.
The point here made by the op himself is that the £500k (in a lump sum, weekly or monthly amounts - who knows?) could be brought into the UK via diplomatic bag "if needed". It would therefore bypass scrutiny. Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides that the diplomatic bag "shall not be opened or detained." Article 27 provides for the absolute inviolability of the diplomatic bag. Why use a diplomatic bag to transfer one's pay?
I'm sure there are members reading this who work for British and Australian companies operating in Saudi, the UAE or Bahrain. They would also be paid in £Sterling (or US$) but I bet their pay goes to their bank accounts by traceable electronic funds transfer. Hands up all those employees who are paid in cash that is then sent back to the UK or Australia by diplomatic bag.
Anyway, I sure hope the gf doesn't read this forum!
Despite your comments there will be no need for any indication of non payment
How much money am I allowed to being into Australia in any form of currency as need to purchase a vehicle on arrival
Also - there is an option to work in the US as something to compare
Is the US dollar cost of living less?
For the record my gf is squeaky clean and will source local specialism staff rather than bring in imports from U.K. or US
Casual labour is not an issue with plenty around
I have an alternate offer of employment from a major IT vendor inthe City who have advised a sponsorship if I wish?
Does that tie me in as I want a free reign to come and go
Anyway let's get back on track. You can expect:
1. The Box Jellyfish
This squishy creature is one of the most lethal animals in the world.
2. The Taipan
The Taipan is a large, fast and highly-venomous snake found throughout Australia. It has the most toxic venom of all the species worldwide.
3. Saltwater Crocodile
It can grow up to 5.45 metres in length. It’s usually well camouflaged and strikes at an amazing speed. Its most powerful attack (the ‘Death Roll’) consists of grabbing its prey and rolling with it powerfully until it dies.
4. Blue Ring Octopus
One of the most toxic sea creatures in the world found. It causes motor paralysis, eventually leading to cardiac arrest.
5. Stone Fish
The most venomous fish in the world, the Stone Fish lives on the bottom of reefs, camouflaged as a rock. The pain is said to be so excruciating that it can lead to amputating the affected limb.
6. The Red Back Spider
It’s Australia’s most famous deadly spider. The red striped spider’s venom induces severe pain.
7. Brown Snake
Known as one of Australia’s most deadly creatures, the Brown Snake’s venom quickly kills if left untreated.
8. Tiger Snake
The Tiger Snake is yet another of the many venomous snakes found in Australia, particularly in the southern regions. Mortality rates are around 45% if the bite is left untreated.
9. Funnel Web Spider
Has fangs that can penetrate fingernails or shoes.
10. Great White Shark
This exceptionally large shark known as the ‘White Death’ is the largest predatory fish on earth. It can be found in great numbers on the southern coasts of Australia.
No chance of that
I hate the sea
Had a run I with a shark 14 yrs ago
I'm pretty sure none of those things can be found in Melbourne other than in museums. Maybe tiger snakes and funnel web spiders can be found, rarely, well outside the city. In Melbourne you only really want to worry about drop bears... They can be nasty and vicious.
And don't let those locals tell you that Koalas are not bears - they will even have a song about it! They may not be from the genus - but they were originally called Koala "Bears" by westerners ;). So I can't help calling them bears when in antipodean and Koala company.
It's just a matter of time...
You can bring in as much as you like - but you are required to declare amounts of Au$10k or more.
Cost of living is less in the U.S. - but I don think the quality of US living would be the same - at least not for me.
It's just a matter of time...
Melbourne is a fantastic city - you'll love it. Cost of living is higher than the US, but standard of living is also higher. For someone of means, it's a wonderful place to live and remarkably hassle-free. Food is excellent, easy access to culture, traffic is not European-bad, and the coffee is better than anywhere in the world except for Wellington.
Choose your suburb well and you'll have a ball.
And don't worry about the beasties unless you head into the bush.
Actually, brown snakes are common as muck in pretty much any bush area in the city (I'm thinking "city and suburbs here"). Long grass, think snakes (probably brown snakes); though you'll never see one unless you step on them. Tiger snakes also common (often recovered from peoples houses by snake catchers - heard some very funny stories about tiger snakes and their aggressive tendencies, following people from the back yard to their back door etc- maybe an old wives tales; maybe not). I will guarantee every house has at least one red-back (though they are quite timid).
Others are not so common in Melbourne ... Funnel webs are very common throughout s/e australia, but only the Sydney one is deadly (of which it is very deadly). Sharks, plenty of stories about people being taken but not around here (think WA mostly nowadays). Crocs, nothing south of about Cairns I reckon; again plenty of stories about people being taken (mostly people who do not understand the risks they are taking; occasionally sadly indigenous kids in remote areas). I remember one story recently about a bloke being taken from a little fishing boat in the NT somewhere - but that's got to be rare...
I've managed to live here all my life so it can't be too bad...(and I'm still kicking)
Coffee is nice - but only in a few places - otherwise it can be quite disgusting, and they tend to serve lookwarm unless you ask - in fact I have to give my order with far too much instruction - whereas in the UK, I only have to order and add a couple of things - the coffees are very small too - unless you just do espresso you'll need to ask for large every time, which is similar to a UK small.
It's just a matter of time...
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
