Australian Employment, Jobs & Working in Australia

Employment

Throughout Australia, there are plenty of great job opportunities for those who are in need of a bit of extra cash to get through their holiday. Because of the huge Backpackers industry in Australia, many hostels double as Employment Agencies where travellers with legitimate working visas can gain employment hassle free. Alternatively, there are a host of Recruitment Agencies and Websites that are easily accessible.

Things to remember...

Australia is quite strict with it's visa enforcements - so make sure you're organised before you arrive
Work for travellers is often affected by the seasons, so if possible, plan ahead

Make sure you ask all new employers the details of you work - pay, hours and conditions

Jobs for travellers...

Fruitpicking
Temping
Au pair
Contract IT work
Child care
Labouring

Farm work

List of employment agencies and internet job boards...

www.jobsearch.gov.au - Government job site
Greythorn - IT specialist
Career One - Generalist job site
Seek - Australia's biggest job site

My Career - Generalist job site

Tax

TotalTravel.com would like to thank Charles Foti Business Services for supplying the following information. TotalTravel.com reproduces this information in good faith and takes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

Charles Foti Business Services consists of a team of Chartered Accountants dedicated to providing the highest quality of taxation and accounting services. We have prepared the following answers to ensure that you obtain a general understanding of the Australian taxation requirements.

Our firm operates from Perth Western Australia and services clients throughout Australia. We have developed high level communication systems to allow easy transfer of information to and from our clients wherever they are.

Q. I have a "Working Visa", what do I need in order to work in Australia?

You are required to have a tax file number which you can apply for online for free at www.ato.gov.au. Without a tax file number you may pay tax at the highest marginal rate of tax

Q. What forms do I need to fill in for an employer?

Your employer will provide and ask you to complete a tax file number declaration.

Q. Is there anything special I need to fill in on my Tax File Number Declaration Form?

You will need to quote your tax file number, if you are not an Australian resident for taxation purposes you must answer NO at questions 8, 9 and 11 (unless you are entitled to a zone tax offset)

Q. Do I get all my tax back if I only work for a couple of months of the financial year?

Your tax liability is calculated on your taxable income at the end of the financial year. However, depending on the determination of your tax residency status will affect the tax liability/refund. If you are deemed to be an Australian resident for tax purposes and you happen to work for a couple of months you are entitled to part of the tax free threshold, low income rebate and taxed at resident tax rates. If you are considered to be a non resident for tax purposes you will not be entitled to the tax free threshold or the low income rebate and will be taxed at non resident tax rates.

Q. What rate of tax do I pay as a non resident?

The non resident tax rates are different from resident tax rates and non residents are not required to pay the Medicare levy, not entitled to the tax free threshold or certain tax offsets.

Q. I've heard that if I am in Australia for more than 6 months then I can lodge my tax return as a resident and get more tax back. Is this correct?

Most working holiday makers are taxed as non resident. However if your behaviour in Australia reflect a degree of continuity, routine or habit consistent with residency tests, you may be taxed as an Australian resident. References to residence on your visa refer to your immigration status, not your taxation status. The criteria for residency for tax purposes are different from the criteria required by DIMIA.

Q. Can I claim anything to reduce my tax liability?
If you spend money on something to help you earn your income, you may be entitled to claim that cost as a tax deduction. You must have written evidence to prove your claims if your total claims exceed $300. The records you keep must prove the total amount, not just the amount over $300.