The tax year begins on I July. Since 1 July 2000 a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies on most supplies of goods and services consumed in Australia. Income tax is imposed by the Commonwealth Government of Australia. Other taxes, such as petrol, stamp duty and payroll taxes are levied by the state governments, and real estate taxes are levied by local governments/councils. After arrival in Australia, newly landed migrants will need to lodge an application with the Taxation Office to obtain a personal tax file number (TFN) which must be disclosed to employers, banks, building societies etc.
SOCIAL SECURITY
The Federal Government helps people whose source of income has ceased, because of disability or retirement for example, or has been interrupted by unemployment or sickness. Age Pensions are paid to men from the age of 65 and to women between the ages of 60.5 to 65, dependent on date of birth. The range of pensions, benefits and allowances also includes Disability Support Pensions, Family Allowance Supplement, Solo Parent Benefit, Sickness Allowance or New Start Allowance. Social security benefits are non-contributory and usually paid directly to the recipient with the emphasis being on income support, based on need. Eligibility for most payments depends on an income/means test. New settlers are reminded that it is not possible to claim social security benefits, such as an unemployment benefit, for the first two years of residence in Australia.
Values in the Australian workplace
Social class and strict workplace hierarchy have little impact on living and working in Australia, a young and continually developing country.
Australia prides itself on equal employment opportunities and being open-minded, tolerant and fair.
Modesty is one trait Australians are renowned for. Successes are celebrated with satisfied self-restraint and when things don’t go according to plan Aussies start from scratch with little fuss and drama.
While connections are valued, overplaying them is not. Likewise qualifications, titles and other displays of status and success are not overplayed.
Workplace communication
Communication within the work environment is usually direct but always well mannered.
Offices are often open-plan and many bosses adopt an open-door policy. Of course it is still polite to knock and ask for a moment of their time rather than barge right in!
Copyright (c) 2009 COMPASS AUSTRALIA Consulting Group Pty Ltd
