If you are a New Zealand citizen, you are legally able to work in Australia. If you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you may need to apply for a work visa. See our Visas section for more information on obtaining a working visa.
The majority of job advertisements are listed online - this is particularly true for full time roles. As in New Zealand, many roles are listed by Recruitment agents rather than by the employers themselves.
Check the following websites for listings:
You can start applying for roles before you leave but it helps if you are in the country and available for interviews. If you do apply prior to leaving, make sure to let the employer or agent know that your flights are confirmed and your date of arrival. This way they know that you are serious about finding a job in Australia.
Pay rates: What to expect
The amount you can expect to get paid will vary between states and cities. As of 2009, Australians were getting paid an average 30.5% more than New Zealanders.
You'll be able to get a good idea of what employers are paying by browsing the job listing websites and having a look at the
Seek Salary Survey. Payscale.com also have some information to help you find out exactly what people in your industry are getting paid:
The Australian Tax Office records a TFN (Tax File Number) for each worker. You do not need to have a TFN but if you don't you will be charged at a higher tax rate. The rates for the 2008/2009 tax year are:
| Taxable income | Tax on this income |
| $0 – $6,000 | Nil |
| $6,001 – $34,000 | 15c for each $1 over $6,000 |
| $34,001 – $80,000 | $4,200 plus 30c for each $1 over $34,000 |
| $80,001 – $180,000 | $18,000 plus 40c for each $1 over $80,000 |
| $180,001 and over | $58,000 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000 |
We recommend applying for a TFN number so that you can take advantage of the $6000 tax free threshold.
You can only apply for your TFN once you are in Australia but once you get there, you can apply online through the following link:
https://iar.ato.gov.au/iarweb/default.aspx?pid=4&sid=1&outcome=1
(bookmark this page so that you can do this when you arrive)
In Australia, your employer must pay a minimum of 9% of your income into a Superannuation fund. Generally this money becomes available to you when you retire however some people are able to access it before then. We recommend seeking advice from your Super provider once you start working for information about your particular situation.
Many employers with have a default Super provider that you can sign up with. This is the company that holds on to your funds for you. Alternatively, you may wish to choose your own provider. A list of these can be found on the following website: http://www.abn.business.gov.au/
Quick facts:
- You need to be over 18 or work over 30 hours a week for your employer to pay Superannuation
- You need to be earning at least $450 a month
- If you are an NZ citizen and plan on returning to NZ, you can not withdraw your super funds when you leave.
The New Zealand Government has just announced that NZ citizens may be able to transfer their Australian Superannuation back to NZ if they decide to move home. For updates on the status of this change,
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