Living in Australia

Emergency numbers

Your first steps

• If you hold or have applied for permanent residence, you may be able to enrol in Medicare. Services Australia lists the conditions and documents. Source
• Australia has reciprocal health care agreements with some countries, including Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and the UK. Visitors from these countries can get publicly funded, medically necessary care. Source
• If you are in Australia on a visa with work rights, apply for a tax file number (TFN) online. It is free, and it should reach your Australian postal address within 28 days. Source

At work in hospitals and pharmacies

The National Employment Standards are the minimum. Your award, agreement or contract can add to them.

• Under the National Employment Standards, you can be asked to work a maximum of 38 hours a week, plus reasonable extra hours. Source
• Paid sick and carer's leave is 10 days a year for full-time employees, and pro rata for part-time employees. Source
• For doctors, the Medical Board's code of conduct covers keeping accurate records and handing over care safely. Source
• Tip In your first week, ask how handovers work on your ward or in your pharmacy, and how colleagues and patients expect to be addressed.

What to watch out for

• When you carry A$10,000 or more in cash (or the foreign equivalent) into or out of Australia, you must declare it. Source
• To avoid visa scams, deal only with official channels: the Department of Home Affairs website, Australian Visa Application Centres, or the Australian embassy or high commission. Report migration fraud to Australia's Border Watch. Source
• Be wary of any job offer that asks you to pay money to make money. Scammers also pose as well-known recruitment agencies. Source

Free help

• The Fair Work Ombudsman gives free information and advice about pay, leave and conditions at work. Source

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