Settlement Guide

If you are looking for an academically challenging environment for your high-achieving child, you might consider one of the selective entry high schools in Victoria, NSW, Queensland or Western Australia. These are highly competitive and result-oriented schools that nurture academic excellence in high-performing students. But some experts say the pressure to continue to perform at a high level may harm the students' mental health.

Many Australians underestimate the importance of having a will, believing they are not wealthy or old enough to need it. But experts say you should start thinking about having one as soon as you become an adult. You can get legal help or use a Do-It-Yourself will kit, but there are certain things to keep in mind while preparing a will.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to acknowledge the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and take action to build positive relationships with one another.

The demand for residential properties has swelled amid the government incentives for homebuyers and record-low interest rates, which have driven up prices and competition among buyers. In such a competitive housing market, it’s easy to miss signs of serious problems with the property. So, here's what you need to know when you are out looking for your first home.

An international study predicts that three in five jobs will require advanced digital skills by the year 2030. But a recent RMIT report shows that one in four Australian workers don’t have the skills to operate in a rapidly digitalised work environment. This highlights a significant skills gap amid increasing automation in the economy.

Observing road rules is critical to the safety of all road users. As traffic laws can vary across different states and territories, they can sometimes be confusing for motorists, especially if they are travelling interstate. In this episode of Settlement Guide, we discuss such little known road rules, some of which may appear bizarre but can cost you a big fine.

Global Talent Independent Visa Program is designed to attract the 'best and brightest' minds to help grow Australia's innovation and tech economies. While there's no requirement to sit for English language tests, such as IELTS or PTE, and no formal skills assessment is required, this pathway is reserved for individuals with exceptional skills and a track record of international repute. If you meet these criteria, you may get permanent residency in Australia within a few months under this program.

Anti-domestic violence campaigners are calling for criminalising controlling behaviours that often prove key precursors to physical violence in a relationship. But, multicultural support workers say gaps in legislation and services are failing migrant victims on temporary visas as many feel trapped in abusive relationships due to cultural barriers, but also a lack of immigration pathways and gaps in support services.

Do you ever think of what you once dreamt of becoming as a child? Revisiting our childhood dream can sometimes bring a new spark in life. For some, it may even present an opportunity to leave a legacy.

Australia's permanent migration program currently offers 160,000 visas every year, with the biggest share reserved for skilled applicants. The points-tested skilled permanent visas are highly competitive, with the number of applicants outstripping supply by a big margin. In this episode, we take a look at how the skilled permanent residency pathways work in Australia.

The Federal Government is aiming to ease Australia's responsible lending laws, hoping it will help stimulate the economy. But with the onus of assessing the suitability to take on debt set to be placed back on a borrower, experts warn it is more important than ever to borrow responsibly.

Have you ever purchased a used car and later found that it required expensive repairs? This is not uncommon, especially if you are not a skilled technician who knows how to inspect a vehicle thoroughly. But doing your homework and following some tips can help you find a safe and reliable car that suits your needs and budget.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual in multiple ways. It is internationally recognised every year on April 2 and has three most common classifications: Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Autism Spectrum Australia says nearly one in 80 Australians live with some form of autism, which is an estimated 40 per cent increase since 2014.

All foreign citizens must have a valid visa to stay in Australia. If someone doesn't leave the country when their visa ceases, they become an unlawful non-citizen and may be detained and deported from Australia. Staying in Australia without a visa can also have consequences for further visa applications, including a three-year exclusion period during which another Australian visa cannot be granted.

New research reveals that two in five Australians are concerned about hygiene in their workplace, while more than a quarter have become anxious about germs since the start of the pandemic. With more workers returning to on-site work, employers and employees can manage the return-to-work stress with these small but important steps and make their workplace COVID-safe.

Rock fishing is a popular activity in Australia, with over a million keen anglers climbing the rocks for their catch each year. But being unfamiliar with conditions can expose one to a high risk of injury or even death, making it very dangerous. Nearly 200 rock fishing-related deaths have been recorded in Australia since 2004, which safety experts believe could have been avoided by observing some simple safety measures.

The Federal Government has relaxed application requirements and visa criteria for international students to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for overseas students. Now, with the Temporary Graduate visa, international students have an opportunity to access longer stay in Australia to gain valuable work experience and explore a pathway to permanent residency.

A sea or tree change is an Australian dream for many retirees who seek a slower and more relaxed lifestyle in a smaller seaside or inland community. It seems that COVID-19 has accelerated many people’s decision, with the latest ABS data showing that capital cities suffered the biggest quarterly net loss on record last September, losing 11,000 people to regional towns. Here are some helpful points if you’re contemplating the big move.

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians are trapped in a vicious cycle of increasing debt while relying on multiple personal loans to cover their household bills and living costs. So, how do you live in debt and proactively manage your financial commitments?

Prior to COVID-19, Australia’s mature workforce was already battling ageism with 68 per cent of employers indicating that they were unwilling to employ workers over 50 in a 2018 survey by the Australian Human Resources Institute.