Living in Australia

Living in Australia

Australia is a secure and prosperous society. Social and governmental institutions are well organised and stable, there is high degree of social harmony across all levels of society, and as a result there are low levels of crime. In addition the Australian Government provides a system of support to citizens and permanent residents that protects both vulnerable individuals and the wider society.

Hospitals and health services

All Australian citizens and permanent residents have access to the free public health system consisting of world class hospitals, well trained doctors, and subsidized medicines. The system is called Medicare, and is financed through a progressive tax system.

Social Security System

Australia has a system of social security that provides economic and other kinds of support to vulnerable people within the community. Government agencies provide assistance to pensioners, disabled people, the sick, and unemployed. In addition there are a number of supports that the Government provides to families through subsided child care and tax breaks and cash payments for families with children.

In addition, to encourage the formation of families, the Australian Government pays a cash payment of AUD$5000 to each woman who has a baby

Education

The Australian Government has a system of free and compulsory education for all students until the age of 15 years. Participation and the attaining of high school qualifications are amongst the highest in the world.

Universities

Entrance to university is competitive, and is based on academic performance. In 1999 women represented 55% of the university population. The vast majority of universities are state owned and run and well funded.

Australian citizens do not pay in advance to attend university but rather the cost of the education is paid back only after the student graduates. It is only when the student graduates and earns a taxable income of AUDA$ 29,984 per year that universities fees are paid through the tax system. This system is designed so that all students who have the ability to attend university can attend regardless of the wealth of their family or social class.

Are you interested?

VisAustralia invites you to take E-KEY, the VisAustralia On-Line Assessment System, and discover whether you satisfy the requirements for permanent residence in Australia.

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