With a robust 85 million tourists recorded last year, France is undoubtedly the most visited country on the planet. With the migration numbers increasing by 20% in the last seven years, we can say that its tourist attractions, high culture, and exquisite cuisines are their most effective advertisements for those thinking of settling down abroad.
But how is life in Europe’s most popular jewel compared to the Land Down Under? Let’s find out.
Doing business in France can be a bane and a boom, depending if you can survive the challenges or not.
With a 64 million-population with very good purchasing powers, France offers a large market and many opportunities. This market is completely open to competitions, so any new players are welcomed. Add to that the many qualified workforce capable of supporting your business. Also, the country has well-designed and efficient infrastructures that makes the transport of goods and products very dynamic.
On the other hand, there are obstacles. It takes a while and a lot of government procedures to go through to set up shop in France. These include dealing with permits (takes 5 to 6 months), having your business registered (it takes two months), and trading across borders (11 days before you import and nine to export), among others.
Also, tax rates can be burdensome, ranging from 14% in the lower threshold up to 45% for the highest earners. France used to levy a gargantuan 75% super tax to those who earn €1 million and above. But has been since lifted for being “unconstitutional”.
Like in France, setting up a business in Australia has its share also of perks and challenges.
Australia’s ties and access to Asia Pacific – one of the fastest growing regions in the world – makes it a viable place to start a market-based business. Add to that the stable political climate, the continuously thriving economy, exceptional infrastructures, and ever-growing and handpicked workforce from around the world (skilled immigration here is strictly regulated and made sure adheres to Australia’s standards).
And like in France, this can be arduous and lengthy. The process includes applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN); registering your business name; and processing the registrations, licenses, insurance, and taxes for your business, among others. Each process takes a while and involves a lot of effort.
(Check here for a complete information on how to set up a business in Australia.)
France’s well-structured economy relies mainly on the chemical and tourism industry (it is the most visited country in the world). Other sectors supporting it are energy, agriculture, and weapons industry.
France has a well laid-out employment and salary system. It guarantees a minimum hourly wage called the Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance or SMIC of €9.67 or AU$ 14.98 per hour. Annually, it would gross to €17,600 or AU$27,265. An employee cannot be paid lower than this amount. Companies are required to negotiate the annually regarding annual pays with employees each year.
The Temps de travail dictates the legal working hours of 35 hours. This is a fixed number and applies to all employees except those in sales services, executives, building care takers, domestic staffs, and other employees with special working conditions.
Australia’s federal structure allows it to focus on disparate economic sectors to support the country. These include manufacturing, agriculture, services, finance, tourism, media, education and the recently booming mining industry.
The country’s minimum wage stands at AU$17.29 per hour or AU$31,531 annually. As of February 2015, the largest employers are health care and social assistance, retail trade, construction, scientific and technical services, and the manufacturing industries.
Though the country enforces a 40-hour work week, the average working hour in Australia is lower at 32 hours per week. Like in France, this cannot be strictly applied to professions with special working conditions.
The French government and its agencies finance as high as 77% of the country’s health care expenditure. In 2011, approximately 12% of its GDP are spent on health care, a very high figure compared to how much each European countries spend on their health care.
Despite this, it is mandatory that all citizens pay insurance of which contribution is based on income. This system is generally financed through taxation. The health care service system is composed of a fully-consolidated network of public hospitals, private hospitals, doctors and other medical service providers with a robust 23,000 general practitioners in its disposal.
Australia’s health care system operates on a centralized level, and is administered by both private and government institutions. The state and territory governments manage aspects of health care within their jurisdictions, such as the operation of hospitals.
It is two-pronged. There is the private health system, and there is the Medicare. The latter is funded partly by a 2% Medicare levy (with exceptions for low-income earners), with the rest being supplied by government. An additional levy of 1% is imposed on high-income earners without private health insurance. Death rate from medical care in the country is reportedly one of the lowest in the English-speaking world. It is lower than that of the USA and UK.
To find out more about how Australia’s healthcare system works, check our blog here.
Looking for a place to stay in the country can be quite a staggering task, especially in the cities where the demand for rental accommodations is tremendous, which leads to high prices as well. As opposed to other European countries (where renting is a norm), only 40% of France’s population rent their home, and most of them located in cities and urban areas. The house-owners are generally in the rural places.
And since the country is dominantly owner-occupied, finding a place to rent can be a challenge. This lead the government to push through housing reforms like rental caps to provide accommodations to its citizens.
Unlike France, owning a house is yet to be a norm in Australia. Approximately 33% of residents here lives in a fully owned properties, 31.4% rents their home, while 35%of homes are mortgaged. Factors contributing here include the soaring house prices, as well as consideration of proximity to work (Australia is a huge country).
Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
One of the busiest and densest in the world, France’s transport system is composed of 146 kilometers of road and 6.2 kilometers of rail lines per 100 square kilometers. Rail transport include the metros (rapid transit) which services six cities and the trams which runs on two dozen cities and towns. Despite the monopoly of railway transports, buses are also introduced to provide more conduits of getting around. Taxis also operate in the country.
A one way train ticket here costs AU$2.47, while a monthly pass is at around AU$95.51 Starting taxi tariff is AU$5.00 with AU$7.71 for the first one kilometer. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back AU$29,316. Gasoline is at AU$1.99 for every litter.
All of Australian cities have reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines, plus taxis operate nationwide. These train lines include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits. Despite this, driving is the most used mode of transport, and this number continues to rise. It is followed by train, walking (the country has a very good culture of walking), bus, and lastly, train.
Fares are pricier here compared to France. A one-way ticket sets you back by AU$4.00 while going for a monthly pass will increase it by AU$130.00. A kilometer ride of taxi is AU$2.17. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you AU$25,000.00 plus 1.32 AU$ for every litter of gasoline.
Four expansive climatic zones influence the weather patterns in France. West of the line Bayonne-Lille is in the humid seaboard zone with cooler summers. Alsace-Lorraine along the Rhodanian corridor and the mountainous massifs (Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central) are in the semi-continental zone with intense winters and tropical summers. While Paris and the central region are in the intermediate zone with cold winters and hot summers in the North. And south of France is in the Mediterranean zone with mellow winters and quite hot summers.
The Land Down Under experiences an assortment of climates also due to its size. It can range from severely hot in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent to below zero in the Snowy Mountains in the south. And due to its size, there just can’t be one seasonal calendar for the whole continent.
The seasons will vary depending upon where in the continent you are each month, whether the weather is defined by the Temperate zone seasons or the tropical seasons. To find out more what is the climate and weather patterns in each of the states in the country, check our blog here.
Advantages of becoming a French Citizen include:
Advantages of Australian Citizenship include:
For a more detailed information about these benefits, check our blog here.
In terms of economy, both France and Australia are structurally sound, so the benefits of finding a job and there overruns the risks in the long run. Both nations are also hot beds for brave entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start or expand their trade. The tasks required for starting are laborious and time-consuming, but pays off due to both country’s expansive market and efficient workforce.
Also, both countries bathe in a Mediterranean climate, mostly warmer than most of United Kingdom. And they sport slow and laidback lifestyles, perfect when you want a good work-life balance and/or raising a family. Also, both counties enjoy very low crime rates.
The difference though lies in those little details, albeit having huge impacts to the day-to-day life.
If you appreciate European culture, appreciates French cuisine, and loves to see beautiful places within a few hours of travel, then France is the better pick. Also, the French are fashion-inclined people, what with their annual Fashion weeks and multilayer clothing. France society and culture has also the propensity to operate on strict protocols, as everything should be done “the French way.”
Australia, on the other hand is an assimilation of European, American, and aboriginal influences, in culture, food, and lifestyle. It is also packed with must see places, both natural and man-made, but traveling takes an effort since it’s a huge country. Aussies inclined more on function than fashion, except in business, in which they seriously follow rules. Social protocols in Australia are a bit more lax than in France, but there a range of etiquettes to abide, especially when it comes to mateship.
There is no country that is generalized as much as Australia (thanks, Internet). The country is a huge desert, has a surfing culture, loves Vegemite, and everybody dresses like they’re going for a summer vacation. The list goes on.
The thing is, Australia is a sum of totally different parts. Each city has its own personality, culture, facade, climate, and charm.
So, which city suits you the most? We gathered the answers just for you.
Fun fact: Sydney isn’t Australia’s capital. That title belongs to Canberra.
However, it is undeniable that the home to the famous Harbour Bridge is the busiest city on the country, being its financial hub spot and the most popular relocation site for Aussies (everybody seems to want to move here). It is racially, culturally, and gender-diverse. It features the biggest LGBT parade in the country, the famous Sydney Mardi-Gras.
The city also houses world class universities, which makes it popular among students. And it frequents the lists of the most expensive cities in the world. But despite that, it can get really crowded, and the traffic can be congested. This city is not for the weak of heart.
Move here if you are: A city dweller. Loves the hustle and bustle. Doesn't mind the crowd.
If you prefer the urban atmosphere without the hustle and bustle, Melbourne is for you. It is brimming with culture and history, has a lively vibe, and packed with restaurants, café, and entertainment venues. The tram system is a great way to get around, and the streets and arcades are ornamented with masterful street arts.
The cultural diversity is surprising as well, as it is peopled mostly with Italian, Indian, Greek, and Chinese residents. Though when it comes to weather, you have to be adaptable, as Melbourne is known to have four seasons each day.
Overall, Melbourne has a European atmosphere (dubbed to be the most European city outside Europe) with its architecture, food, infrastructures, and high population of European residents.
Move here if you are: A young professional or a start-up owner. Loves the European vibe. Doesn’t mind mingling with other cultures.
Another fun fact: Canberra was chosen as the country’s capital as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, each one vying for the spot.
The city is home to the Parliament, as well as the country’s most significant buildings like the High Court, the Royal Australian Mint, National Library, and the Australian Institute of Sport. It also houses the Australian War Memorial, and the Royal Military College where the army's officer corps are being trained.
Compared with cities like Sydney and Adelaide, Canberra has a more professional feel to it, with majority of the people working for the government. The city is compact and mostly flat so people get around in bicycles.
Move here if you are: A retiree or old migrant who loves quietness. Or a professional who prefers peaceful and structured life.
Like Canberra, Adelaide is also for those who love a quiet and placid lifestyle. Their roads and streets rarely get congested, the hustle and bustle is nowhere to be found, and people are very friendly and respectful. So it’s easy to roam around and enjoy your peaceful private time. It has an amenable Mediterranean climate, perfect for getting around without too many layers of clothing bearing you down.
And unlike Canberra, Adelaide is closer to natural and cultural perks, such as the endless lengths of beaches and coastlines lining up the city. Also, the Barossa and Clare valleys, famous for their world class wineries and vineyards, can be found here. They offer tours and wine-tasting packages so residents and tourists alike can get a glimpse (and taste) of what they offer.
Move here if you are: An urban lover who’s tired of expensive living and crowded environments.
For a city with two million people, Brisbane is quite relaxed, rustic, and undemanding. And nothing says rustic than a man-made beach which can be found inside the city surrounded by restaurants, cultural buildings, and plush parklands all enclosed within a 17-hectare attraction called the South Bank.
Brisbane is quite flexible. Those who appreciate a busy vibe (keeps the creativity running) can go for the inner city areas, while retirees can opt for the bayside area for a quiet atmosphere and great façade, and those with children can openly roam and play in the western suburbs.
Houses here are more affordable than in Sydney and Melbourne and everything is within driving distance.
Move here if you are: Someone with a small family or just starting to have one. Or someone new to Australia who prefers a slow orientation to the country.
Darwin is everything the rest of the cities here on the list are not. The city is perhaps the most laid back in all of Australia. It is small and compact so you could get everywhere with less hassle. Plus, its population of just 100,000 makes the city crowd-free and the roads uncongested. The multicultural environment makes the city more welcoming, with a diverse group of people living there. Also, there are festivals and night markets that highlight the lifestyle here.
The tropical climate is the greatest challenge here, though, especially to the uninitiated. Daytime can be temperate and the night balmy. It is warm all year round and the climate is limited only to wet and dry seasons.
Move here if you are: A beach lover from a tropical country or wants to experience what it’s like to be in a tropical country.
Sydney might have the hustle and bustle while Canberra and Darwin might own the laidback lifestyle, but Gold Coast is where the fun happens.
The thriving cosmopolitan built on a beautiful coastline is famous for water sports events, sprawling theme parks, and exciting nightlife. Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, Wet’n’Wild Water World, David Fleay Wildlife Park, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are all located here, along with other attractions fit for your thirst for adventure. Here, you can shop, dine, and head to the beach in just a matter of minutes
As with all cities where highly-prized attractions are located, properties here are quite pricey and continues to rise. A small price to pay when the coastline is right at your doorstep.
Move here if you are: A young professional who loves adventure, the nightlife, and the ambiance of an ultra-modern city.
If Australian cities were primary students, Perth would be the kid sitting on the back end of the classroom, away from everyone and staring at the window. And that’s geographically correct. The city is the most isolated one in the country, by relative and actual distance.
Because it gets more hours of sunshine compared to other cities, Perth is famous for its outdoor life. Not to mention, the boom in the mining industry is especially kind to the city of 1.25 million, as investments and infrastructure developments pour in.
However, due to the rising relative value of the city, property prices and cost of living started to soar, too. Though you may escape to the suburbs for more affordable alternatives.
Move here if you are: A fan of the outdoor lifestyle and loves the sun. Or just starting a family and prefers a quite urban life.
We have covered the benefits of considering a permanent residency in the Land Down Under, and the reasons why you should pursue Australian citizenship while you’re at it. We even showed you why studying here is the best idea ever. But we never discussed why you should even be working here in the first place. There are many reasons. Australia has a friendly climate, a stable government, and a well-structured health care, among others.
Also, there are these work-related perks and benefits that make the country the go-to place for employment-related migration.
Living in Australia might be one of the most expensive when it comes to the cost of living, but the very high minimum wage offsets that by a great degree. In fact, it is the sixth highest in the world when it comes to average wage, and the fourth lowest in terms of salary deduction, as provided by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s numbers.
That means you will get a lion’s share of your gross earnings even with all the deductibles taken out. And if you’re a professional or on a white collar job, you’ll have a bigger chance of getting a better payoff.
Australia‘s economy relies on its robust sectors and industries such mining, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and service; the last being the largest contributor to the country’s growth. Other huge employers include manufacturing, logistics, and information technology industry.
Because of this, the country is always on a lookout for skilled employees to support its still thriving economy. While some countries have job shortages, the country is working on its worker deficit. That means at any given time, some company is in need of your expertise and services.
Australia’s very low unemployment rate is a proof of that. At 5.8% as of March of 2016, it is one of the lowest in the world.
At an average of 1,664 hours annually (or approximately thirty-two hours a week), Australia has one of the lowest working hours in the world. It’s way lower compared to other top migration destinations such as Japan, New Zealand, and United Sates. That means you don’t usually stay two to three hours more just because your boss says so.
The country follows the 40-hour workweek. And they should. Australia is the first country to fight for such rule to give its employees more susceptible working conditions. Here, you can enjoy a good work-life balance, because you work to live, rather than the other way around.
Australia occupies the 4th spot in the US News’ list of countries with highest quality of life and the 6th spot on places to live in the world. It scores very high on life expectancy on both males and females and has a high rate of participation in sporting and fitness activities. It also ranks number five when it comes to purchasing power (see good compensation above), safety of the citizens, property price-to-income ratio, cost of living, commuting time, and pollution index.
Also, it is one of the happiest and least stressed countries in the world in terms of generosity, social support, freedom, and lack of corruption. While Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne were among the top ten most livable cities in the world.
If you are a sociable person who appreciates good chats (friendly banters optional), freedom, and democracy in the workplace, then Australia is for you. Aussies are inherently friendly, grateful, and polite with a knack for a sense of humor. Sternness has no place here. And everybody is welcomed with a cheerful attitude and utmost respect, from the company CEO to the office custodian.
And this extends well beyond after work, what with their after-office drinks that can go five days a week (this is not mandatory, though). Or even to weekends, where barbecues and pot lucks are a norm. Just don’t talk about anything work or business-related, though. Those are a no-no.
Close to one-third of Australia’s population are immigrants, according to a report by the United Nations. Also, one in every four Aussies were born overseas, with half of them with a parent born outside the country. The nation was basically built by immigrants (just check their history) and their economy continues to rely on skilled workers who come to their shores.
Diversity is the rule here. There are no high walls or huge barriers to keep you as an outsider. You will be treated not according to your race, color, gender, background, or religion, but based on your character. That’s how the spirit of mateship goes. A strong tradition that dictates everybody should be treated equally, and should treat everybody equally in return.
If these do not pique your curiosity yet, here are ten reasons why living in the country is one of the best decisions ever.
UPDATE: This article was updated on May 12, 2017.
Germany and Australia are both included in the list of countries where people prefer to live and work. We compared the two based on the categories that you would need to consider when moving to another country. Find out which country suits your desired lifestyle.
Germany’s economy runs on a social market system, meaning it relies on free trade and capitalism as balanced by social policies to regulate the competition. Its economic sectors include services, construction, industry, agriculture, forestry, and mining. The economy is characterized by highly qualified labour force and a developed infrastructure. It is currently enjoying a very low unemployment rate of 3.9%.
Working culture here is quite rigid, and may or may not include the after-work or Friday drinking/socializing that is the norm in Australia, UK, or US. On the upside, a good work-life balance is experienced by employees in Germany, as a result of their average working time at 35 hours per week.
Much like Germany, Australia’s economy is primarily driven by its service sector, comprising 65% of its GDP. Other sectors (and biggest employers) include mining, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, tourism, media, education, and logistics. Unemployment here is higher by a small margin at 5.9%, but still very low in overall scale.
Compared to Germany, the working culture here is quite the opposite. Socializing while on work is okay and doing it after office hours is encouraged. At a maximum of 38 working hours per week, it is higher than the 35-hour average weekly working hours in Germany.
Germans generally can’t be bothered to buy a house. Despite the well-oiled economic machinery, it still sports the lowest home-ownership population in the developed world at 51.90% as of 2016. The renting sector is highly regulated and monitored by the government which resulted to policies and prices very much favourable to the renters.
Owning a house has always been the Australian dream, but it is yet to be the norm. Approximately, 31% of residents here live in fully-owned properties, 28.7% rent their home, while 33.3% of homes are mortgaged. The contributing factors to this situation include the soaring house prices, as well as consideration of proximity to work (Australia is a huge country).
Germany has a very efficient transport system which is logical for a country whose economy relies on equally efficient workers getting to and from their work during the week. The public transport not only services big cities, but reaches the small towns as well. Scheduling, ticket fees, and discount details can be found in official websites, thus increasing access by the commuters.
Modes of transportation mainly include the U-Bahn (subway/underground), S-Bahn (suburban commuter rail), Straßenbahn (streetcar), Trambahn (tram), Stadtbahn (light rail), buses, and taxis.
A one-way train ticket here costs AU$4.14, while a monthly pass is at around AU$108.53. Starting taxi tariff is AU$5.43 with also AU$2.95 for the first one kilometre. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back AU$29,623. Gasoline is at AU$2.11 for every litter.
Like Germany, Australia also has a good public transport system. However, driving is the most used mode of transport in the country, and this number continues to rise. It is followed by train, walking (the country has a very good culture of walking), and then bus. All Australian cities have reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines, while taxis also operate nationwide. These train lines include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits.
Fares are less expensive here compared to Germany. A one-way ticket sets you back by AU$3.93, while going for a monthly pass will increase it by AU$130.00. A kilometre ride of taxi is AU$.2.17. If you want your own car, a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you AU$25,040 and AU$1.31 for every litre of gasoline.
Dining etiquettes and practices here is different compared to what the rest of the world is doing.
Upon entering a restaurant, you don’t wait to be seated, you find a table and be seated (unless a sign tells you to wait). Sitting with strangers is quite a norm especially in pubs and bars where long tables can usually be found. Just politely ignore the other person and go on with your meal or drink.
Most restaurants don’t serve water immediately and free bread rolls and butter are very rare. Most restaurants do not accept credit card payments, so be on the lookout for any Visa or MasterCard logos before entering if you won’t be paying in cash.
Like Germany, Australia has its share of dining practices.
For instance, business discussions over a non-business dinner is not encouraged. Heading straight to business talk on a lunch/dinner meeting is also frowned upon.
When going for an exclusive restaurant, you are expected to make reservations first and confirm. In an informal joint, you might be expected to share a table. Be open to conversations when invited. Australians are not known to decline a friendly chat.
Dinning etiquette here dictates that the one who does the inviting settles the bill, although the guest is expected to make an effort to pay.
German health care is a two-pronged, multi-payer health care system consisting of Statutory Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance. It is compulsory for the whole population in Germany.
Employees earning below a specific income are automatically enlisted at the Statutory Health Insurance at common rates for all members, and is settled through a joint employer-employee contribution.
Medicare, the Australian government’s universal public health insurance scheme, provides residents with free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital and free or subsidized treatment for optometrist, dental care, and psychology services, as well as treatment by doctors.
The extent to which the health care system is used is adjustable among Australian citizens, overseas visitors, and temporary and permanent visa holders. Their needs, entitlements, and expectations are influenced by many components such as the nature and degree of their health status, age, gender, location, and cultural background.
Check here to know more about the Australian public health care system.
Germany’s size make its climate vary across different areas, but it is temperate overall. Winter months can be freezing in the west and well below freezing in the east of the country.
The weather conditions can differ throughout the day, though may not as erratic as Australia, so be sure to bring along sweater and a jacket to shield against the cold and rain.
Given this, extreme temperatures are a rare occurrence.
Central and Southern Hills temperature is quite constant with continental influences, while Baltic Coast and North German Plain has little variability due to the influence of the sea. While Bavarian Alp’s winters can be cold with frequent snowfalls.
Due to its enormous size, Australia goes through differing climates in various areas. This is reflected in the severely hot climate of the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent and the below zero temperature of the Snowy Mountains in the south. Due to expansive land area, there is not one one seasonal calendar that covers the whole continent.
Depending upon where you are in the continent at a certain month, the seasons may vary.
To find out more about the climate and weather patterns in each of the states in the country, check our blog here.
Advantages of German Citizenship include:
Advantages of Australian Citizenship include:
For a more detailed information about these benefits, check our blog here.
Germany and Australia are both economic titans capable of supporting its people, immigrants and citizens alike, through their high employment rates, massive job opportunities, health benefits, affordable housing options, and efficient public transport. It all boils down to a matter of preference of which lifestyle you are wanting to adapt.
If you don’t mind the language barrier, can survive the rigorous office culture and appreciate short working hours, then Germany is for you. The temperate climate and the consistency of the weather in most areas is also a tremendous help.
Australia, on the other hand, is perfect for you if if you are extremely sociable, used to tropical climates, love walking, appreciate occasional chats at the office and drinking out after work. Although, you would have to endure the varying weather conditions.
Specialist recruitment firm Robert Walters on his 17th Annual Salary Survey released early this year told that majority of the professional salaries will remain steady but amiable. But the same survey also pin pointed a very few professional roles who salaries will perform better than the rest due to economic growth, movement from the reliance sector, and enjoyment of larger investments in related industries. These jobs are also expected to have greater demands for the same reasons.
If you are planning to switch careers, consider these four professional roles in Australia.
Especially those who are in the audit, risk, and compliance roles. Walters said these jobs will go through high demand this year, due to the rising globalization of compliance and collaborations between business firms, financial institutions, and regulators. Compliance specialists (especially those with experience in foreign jurisdictions) are needed to make sure such activities are in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Other roles included in this windfall of occupation demand are accountants with technical skills in treasury, as well as capital management and regulatory reporting, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria. For customer-focused employees, other areas of demand are employees in the wealth and superannuation sectors, financial planners and credit assessment professionals.
There are 60,000 marketing professionals in the country right now, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This number is estimated to increase by 100% in three years as marketing swiftly becomes one the most in demand skill set by employers nationwide.
Those who can market and sell complex solutions and possess background and credentials in digital and consumer insights using data analytics are more likely to get hired or be given pay hikes.
The marketing world has seen brand promotion and power shifting to consumers in the last five years, due in part to social media, content-sharing, and word of mouth in the Internet. Sales and marketing professionals are trying to wrestle this power back, thus the constant need for highly-skilled sales experts.
This will be very apparent in cyber security, big data and analytics, e-commerce, and financial technology. According to Robert Walters, these skills will experience an increment in global demand and experience an increase in salary bids by 25% in some markets.
Cyber security is a major problem in the country with various large companies being targeted by malicious attacks including David Jones and Kmart, as well as government agencies like the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian Government Parliamentary Services. A few weeks ago, a $195 million budget was created for Australia’s cyber security strategy to secure the safety of the country and its economic growth.
Infrastructure projects in Australia are on a roll due to the pouring investments. This causing a drive in demand for skilled candidates.
Weeks ago, a mammoth $5 billion fund is being rolled out by the federal government to finance public transport projects. This is in addition to the $50 million allocated for reinforcing new infrastructure projects for the nation's cities. These and other undertakings like the construction of dams and pipes, the Ipswich Motorway upgrade between Rocklea and Darra, and the Western Sydney airport, all of which will materialize in a decade or two, will like to hold up huge demands and salary increases in the construction engineering profession.
UPDATE: This article was updated on May 10, 2017.
Switzerland made news in the financial world when it announced that it was considering giving each adult citizen 2,500 Swiss francs (approximately 3,400 Australian dollars) monthly after-tax, working or not, as part of its incoming referendum. This will be the first time a minimum wage is introduced in the country, and could probably replace welfare services. This characterizes Switzerland’s capacity to extensively provide its citizens outstanding benefits.
So how does the nation famous for its watches, chocolates, and the Alps compare with the Land Down Under as a migration destination? We highlighted the most important components to better help you decide.
Switzerland has one of the strongest and most stable economies in the world (it ranks first in the world in the 2016 Global Innovation Index). The political stability and long-term financial security drove investors and migrants to its ports, further increasing foreign investments and workforce. Primed by its economic sectors, such as industrial, trade, tourism, agriculture, banking, and watch-manufacturing, it has successfully trimmed its unemployment rate down to 3.3%, one of the lowest even by first world standards.
Aside from the main economic zones, industries such as machinery, chemicals, textiles, precision instruments, insurance, and information technology also contribute to the country’s financial momentum. These industries exhibit vast employment openings and career opportunities.
Manufacturing, telecommunications, banking, and the recent mining boom are the country’s leading industries. There are a diverse range of work opportunities everywhere, with the service, information technology, and hospital industry constantly improving.
Unemployment here is currently at 5.9% which means 6,400 jobs were lost last February 2017 but there was an increase of 27,100 for full-employment.
Despite strong economic performances, owning a home is still yet to be a norm in Switzerland. Currently, approximately 60% of its citizens rent their homes. Logically, owning a property is mostly relegated in rural areas and lowest in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. The rise in population in urban areas over the last five decades also mean the decrease of the already limited housing stock, thus skyrocketing the prices.
As a foreign migrant, your options might be limited when it comes to owning properties, since only those who are EU or EFTA nationals with a Swiss residence permit who resides in Switzerland those or hold a Swiss C Permit can purchase properties here. Renting is the option to go.
Much like Switzerland, owning a house is also not very common in Australia. Only around 31% of residents here live in fully-owned properties, 28.7% rent their home, while 33.3% of homes are mortgaged.
Suburban fringes of cities and towns sport the inner-city medium to high-rise apartments and the low-density townhouses/fully detached houses, while Melbourne and Sydney cradles the inner-city where public housing is generally found in. They are usually 3-5 story walk-up flats and 11-22 story high-rise towers. Low-density suburban estates are located in almost every city and town in the country.
Switzerland is located right in the heart of Europe, that’s why it boasts of a complicated, yet well-developed, networks of roads and railways for dynamic travelling of people and goods in and out of the country. Its public transport network has a sheer length of 24,500 kilometres and encompasses more than 26,000 stations and stops. The country’s railway system includes urban rails, mountain rail. As for the road public transport, the country has buses, trolleybuses and taxis operating nationwide. It also has an efficient car sharing system ran by the Mobility Carsharing cooperative.
A one-way bus ticket here costs around AU$4.62, while a monthly pass is at AU$106.31. Starting taxi tariff is AU$ 9.23 with AU$5.32 for the first one kilometre. If you would prefer to get your own car, a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or equivalent new car) will set you back AU$32,174.00, while a litre of gasoline is at AU$2.09.
Despite the very good public transport system, driving is the most used mode of transport in the country, and this number continues to rise. It is followed by train, walking (the country has a very good culture of walking), and then bus. All Australian cities have reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines, plus taxis operate nationwide. These train lines include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits.
Fares are less expensive here compared to Switzerland. A one-way ticket sets you back by AU$3.93, while going for a monthly pass will increase it by AU$130.00. A kilometre ride of taxi is AU$2.17. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you AU$25,000.00 plus AU$1.32 for every litre of gasoline.
Switzerland universal health care is monitored and provided by the Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance. There are no free state-provided health services. Private health insurance is mandatory for all people residing in Switzerland within three months of taking up residence or being born in the country.
The whole healthcare system’s general objective is the promotion of the general public health and the reduction of costs while bolstering individual responsibility.
To allow coverage of some of the treatment categories not covered by the basic insurance and enhance the standard of room and service in case of hospitalization, the compulsory insurance can be complemented by private “complementary” insurance policies. This can include routine dental treatments, complementary medicine, half-private or private ward hospitalization, and others which are not covered by the compulsory insurance.
Medicare is the Australian government’s universal health insurance scheme. It provides Australian residents free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital and free or subsidized treatment for optometrist, dental care, and psychology services as well as treatment by doctors.
The extent to which the health care system is used is flexible among Australian citizens, overseas visitors, and temporary and permanent visa holders. Their needs, entitlements, and expectations are influenced by many components such as the nature and degree of their health status, age, gender, location, and cultural background.
Check here how the Australian Public Health Care System Works.
With four European cuisine superpowers surrounding it (France, Germany, Italy and Austria), Switzerland is a melting pot of continental flavours. As a result, it is brimming with restaurants and cafes offering European flavours. These include potatoes prepared in numerous ways, meat (veal, beef, pork, chicken and even horse), fish (mainly fresh water fish), vegetables, and sea food.
At AU$139.89, you can have a three-course fancy meal for two in a mid-range restaurant. You can dial it down by dining at an inexpensive restaurant for only AU$27.98 or you can buy a meal at a fast food restaurant for AU$20.00.
Just like Switzerland, Australia is also a fusion of different cuisines from various cultures. Compared to Switzerland, dining out is way cheaper here. A three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant will cost you AU$80.00, you can save by going for an inexpensive restaurant instead, which will cost you AU$18.00. A McDonalds combo meal is at AU$10.00.
Australian cuisine is an adventure, as it is nourishment, especially for a migrant. They are unique, exciting, and sometimes a matter of acquired taste. Nevertheless, they are all enjoyable.
Check here for some of the most intriguing and delectable Australian dishes.
Switzerland
Climate in Switzerland is broadly temperate, but can also differ hugely in various areas, as characterized by the glacial conditions on the mountains and agreeable near-Mediterranean climate at the southern tip.
Summers are warm and soggy with occasional rainfall, making it ideal for pastures and grazing. Winters in the mountains experience long spells of stable conditions for weeks, while the lower lands tend to suffer from inversion, during these periods, thus seeing no sun for weeks.
Australia
Due to the massive land area, Australia goes through differing climates. This fact is characterized by the severely hot climate in the Kimberley region in the north-west of the continent to below zero in the Snowy Mountains in the south.
Depending upon where you are in the continent each month, the seasons will vary, the weather may be defined by the Temperate zone seasons or the tropical seasons. To find out more about the climate and weather patterns in each of the states in the country, check our blog here.
Advantages of Australian Citizenship include:
For a more detailed information about these benefits, check our blog here.
Switzerland and Australia are both wonderful places to settle. It all comes down to your nature and preference of environment.
Albeit a small country, Switzerland is an economic powerhouse brimming with job opportunities, high income employment, stable political climate, ultra-low crime rates, and exceptional standards of living. Most locations here can be just a walk or bus ride away. It also sports a climate characteristic of central Europe: a cool and amiable climate, even in the summer seasons.
As with other staggering first world nations, life here is fast-paced and the cost of living is very high. If English is your native-tongue, communication may be challenging.
Australia on the other hand, despite having a robust economy, offers a more laidback and less stressful way of life. You can strike a chat with anyone, even complete strangers. The taxi drivers, crews, and officemates are always open for a talk, while the beaches and parks offer silence and solitude. Though you may have to deal with a warmer rain forest climate and the erratic weather.
Perhaps no nation is closer to Australia than New Zealand, physically and poetically. The countries are like siblings. They share a common parentage (United Kingdom), have many similarities, and have their own share of differences.
Despite that, New Zealand and Australia have very good relationship with one another and are both up there in the top migration destinations in the world.
So we compare the two to find out which one suits your dream migration country more.
One of New Zealand’s driving industry is agriculture, especially the forestry, horticultural, and fishing industries. Mining also further contributes to the country’s economy. Agriculture accounts for 24% of its international trade output. So if you arrive here as a visitor on a Working Holiday Scheme (as most migrants start), occupations like seasonal fruit picking, pruning and harvesting are thriving and the best options, that is if you don’t mind working under the sun, getting your hands dirty, and get paid the bare minimum. Though office-based work are available in IT, telemarketing, banking, and finance industry.
The country is currently enjoying a low 5.4% unemployment rate, however, this number has heavily fluctuated in the past decades, especially during recession.
The country’s leading industry includes manufacturing, banking, and telecommunications, with the mining boom adding to the economy’s benefactors. The diversity of work is very good. With the service, technology, and hospital industry that does most of the employment. Poverty rate might have increased from 10.2% to 11.8% in 2013, but it’s still the country with the highest median wealth.
Unemployment here is slightly higher at 5.7%, and is gradually decreasing as a result of franchising and trade shifting from Europe and North America to Japan and other East Asian markets to revitalize the market and add to the investment portfolio.
Renting prices vary here throughout the country, depending on the quality, location and size of the property, but the pricier deals can be found in the main centres. When it comes to contracts, fixed term residential rental houses are mostly short to medium term, while fixed contracts are relatively rare.
You can locate rental properties either by seeking help from real estate agents or by directly contacting landlords. You can locate these landlords online through websites such as Trade Me Property, RealEstate Co NZ, and Open 2 View. They privately operated websites can offer you a very good overview of properties available in the area you’re seeking, including prices, types, and the contract categories.
Be sure to make you contact as soon as possible, since there is a very high demands for the renting houses here.
Like in New Zealand, costs of rental houses differ considerably depending on the region, city, neighborhood, quality of a property, size (number of bedrooms), age, and the facilities provided.
Expectedly, rents are cheaper in rural than urban areas. It’s also lower the further a property is from a large city or town, public transport or other facilities, the cheaper it is. The average rents are highest in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.
Letting agencies and estate agents will usually charge you a fee of two weeks’ rent for a one-year lease and one week’s rent for a six-month lease. These are the legal maximum fees. Also, you’re expected to settle one month’s rent in advance, depending on the type of property and the rental agreement, plus a bond which is held against damages.
Before going in with the transactions, before to make a careful inspections of the property. This will give you a feel of the house and decide wither this is the home you are looking for.
Buses are the main and most common form of public transport here. They make up the bulk of trips in cities where public transport is available. And more often, it is the only form of public transport around.
Suburban rail systems can be found in in Wellington and Auckland, but not used as much, though recently, they are getting increased patronage and new investments for further development. Taxis also operate in the country. Trams and cable cars were used to be employed but operations has since stopped and are just relegated as heritage displays.
A one way train ticket here costs AU$3.27, while a monthly pass is at around AU$130.96. Starting taxi tariff is AU$2.81 with also AU$2.81 for the first one kilometer. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) will set you back AU$28,063.21 A$. Gasoline is at AU$1.81 for every litter.
Reliable, affordable public bus networks and train lines operates in all of Australian cities, plus taxis function nationwide. These train lines available include commuter rail networks, trams, light rails, and rapid transits scattered across cities. Despite this, driving is the most used mode of transport, with the number constantly rising. It is followed by train, walking (Australia has a very good culture of walking), and buses.
Fares are pricier here compared to Cana. A one-way ticket sets you back by 3.93 AU$, while going for a monthly pass will increase it by 130.00 AU$. A kilometer ride of taxi is 2.17AU$. If you want your own car, A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or any equivalent new car) will cost you 25,000.00AU$ plus 1.32 AU$ for every litter of gasoline.
For a country with close ties with United Kingdom, New Zealand is dominated by Asian flavors, especially Thai and Indian cuisine. It is an unspoken rule that when the chef or the server says the spiciness flavor of a food is weak, then it’s strong; if it’s strong, then you better have high tolerance for spicy food. Kiwis eat dinner quite early, between six and nine in the evening. You better dine here early since most restaurants close at ten.
A three-course meal for two people on a restaurant costs around AU$84.19, while dining at a less expensive café costs AU$16.84. A McDonald’s combo meal is at AU$9.35.
Cooking and dining at home is best in Australia. Fresh produces come in a wide variety and are offered virtually everywhere. They might come as expensive in some places, but you can get them by bargain in most areas. The fact that kitchen tools and gizmos are uber-cheap also. Dining out is another story. Eating at restaurants and cafes can be pricey, reinforcing further the cook-at-home culture here.
Dining out, a three-course meal for two people on a restaurant is at around AU$80.00, while dining at a less expensive café costs AU$1800. A McDonald’s combo meal is at AU$10.00.
For the past few decades, New Zealand’s health care system has gone through various incarnation in structure, form, and policies. For the past thirty years, it has transformed from a completely public system to a mixed public-private structure.
The government covers the entirety of the hospital and specialist costs, funded from government expenditure (77%), if the patient is referred by a general or family practitioner. Although the cost of payments are comparably lesser, private payment by individuals also presents a vital function in the overall system
People earning less than specific amounts, can be eligible for a Community Services Card (CSC), depending on the number of dependents in their household. This trims down the expenses of after-hours doctors' visits and prescription fees, but doesn't curtail the expenditures of visits to a person's regular doctor.
Medicare is the Australian government’s universal health insurance scheme. It provides Australian residents free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital and free or subsidized treatment for optometrist, dental care, and psychology services as well as treatment by doctors.
The amount paid by the federal government includes patient health costs based on the Medicare benefits schedule (85% of specialist and 100% of public in-hospital costs) and other concessions or benefits once they have go beyond a so-called safety net threshold, determined by the total health expenditure for the year.
Check here how the Australian Public Health Care System Works
New Zealand’s climate straddles between warm and mostly cool temperate with a bit of maritime or oceanic climate. The ocean influence diminishes any possible extremes in coastal temperature. Most parts of the country, specifically in the upper North Island, have high humidity all year round, which provides the effect of a warmer feeling in summer and cooler in winter than the thermometer indicates.
Rainfall is generally plentiful in the country, and is evenly diffused throughout the year in most parts of the country, though there are small differences based on topography. Snow mostly falls in the South Island and also at higher altitudes in the North Island and is quite rare at sea level in that area.
Due to its massive size, climate varies vastly in Australia to a wide degree. This is reflected on the snow-capped mountains in the south and arid deserts in the interior. Unlike New Zealand, majority of the country leans more towards the temperate, tropical rain forest climate. Australians get plenty of sun and warmth most of the year but with huge drops in temperature during winter.
The weather widely differs with every city. To find out more about the climate in each of them, check it here.
Advantages of New Zealand Citizenship include:
Advantages of Australian Citizenship include:
New Zealand and Australia have a lot in common than we actually know. They are located on the same part of the world, they were both former colonies of Great Britain, and a huge proportion of both countries are migrants.
However, this is where the similarities end.
If you appreciate nature and a service-oriented profession more, New Zealand is the place. Its overall look and ecosystem lean more on the green-ish façade (thanks to the high rainfall), with thick forests, huge rivers, melting glaciers, and rich soil. It is basically an environmental paradise. For this reasons, it relies more on the tourism industry as a major force of its economy despite the very high natural resources.
Australia on the other hand, has its beauty relying on a more diverse portfolio of features from scorching desserts to thriving jungles to snow-capped mountains. Employment opportunity-wise, it is a powerhouse of different industries ranging from mining to agriculture to manufacturing to service to information technology, since it has successfully created a mixed economy with an assortment of trades to support the economic structure.
With globalization ramping up, the boundaries that kept us confined to a single place is slowly being eroded. We learn the ways and means of people from other countries, we rock the clothing and fashion of those from other side of the planet, and we cook and/or eat cuisines totally alien in our land.
It goes the same with education. Completing your study on your homeland is cost-efficient, but hugely missing the academic opportunities being offered by other nations. With over 22,000 courses offered by 1,100 institutions, Australia is the third most popular international student destination in the world. The number of these students are expected to rise by 30% more in the next seven years. Take advantage of these revolution by bringing your schooling here.
So why study in Australia? We rounded up the reasons for you.
The excellence in education maintained by schools and universities in the country are commendable. Since a significant part of the economy’s driving factor is coming from students, the government is taking extraordinary effort in overseeing the education sector.
The country’s universities are among the best and most innovative in the world. Of the world’s top universities, seven hailed from here, speaking highly of the country’s position in the global scale as far as education is concerned. This top of the notch schooling also hugely contributed to Australia’s thriving economy by producing skilled and knowledgeable professionals. Some of them responsible to the game-changing innovations that the entire world relies to right now (check them here and here).
The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) is a national system designed and administered by the Australian Government's Department of Industry to regulate and determine the standards for educational qualifications in Australia. The framework is formulated around ten levels of descriptive criteria, with formal qualifications adjusted to the appropriate levels.
The AQF insures consistency of qualification titles across the country represent the same high standards of education.
Australia is home to the best research facilities in the world, including state of the laboratories and expansive libraries. It also one of the fastest to adopt new technologies and innovation in the field of academics and research.
And it doesn’t end there after you graduate. The country provides research opportunities to eligible professionals who intend to advance their careers by gaining more knowledge in their chosen field. There are restrictions, though. As this opportunity if offered only to people with highly competitive and excellent track record.
Perhaps the most beaming quality of the country. Australia is home to a secure, multicultural, amiable, and harmonious society. Over the years, it has attracted students from different parts of the world like Asia, Europe, Africa, and the United States. As a country build by migration, it still continues to accept people; regardless of race, religion, or political view; to contribute to its ever-growing and diverse society.
As a student, you will always fit it. You will be surrounded by other foreigners like you who will treat you as family.
Australia’s economy is driven by various sector, especially by the service, mining, telecommunications, agriculture, banking, and manufacturing industries. This translates to a huge variety of employment opportunities to would-be gradates. Not to mention, it’s one of the largest mixed economies in the world, and is still thriving.
It currently a member of the APEC, G20, OECD and WTO. And is under free trade agreement with ASEAN, Canada, Chile, China, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the United States. This ensure that the economy running efficiently and in constant need of workers and professionals to supply its ever-growing workforce.
The fast-paced lifestyle in United Kingdom and Japan might be frenetic, energy-charged, and exciting, but as a student, this would result to a lot of stress, loss of focus, and absence of structure in your life. Australia, on the other hand is known for its relaxed lifestyle.
A laid back (but necessarily lazy) lifestyle is conducive to learning since you can save all your energy to concentrate on your studies. Not to mention, a relaxed life lets you have a more flexible schedule, freedom to choose your extra-curricular activities, and focus more on your earning opportunities and/or employment to further support your studies.
We’ve covered the perks of getting an Australian permanent residency (see here). You can consider applying for Australian Citizenship if you want to secure an Australian passport and also take advantage of other benefits available to Australian citizens.
Below are some of the benefits of becoming an Australian Citizen.
In Australia, no vote ever goes to waste (see here how their elections work), as they utilize the preferential system of voting. As an Australian citizen, you have the right to vote in federal, state or territory, and municipal elections, as well as in referendums. Take note though that voting here is both a right and a duty.
Australia has a very stable government (What type exactly? Check here). If you are aspiring to be a member of the Federal Parliament, you cannot hold a dual citizenship, unless you have made all efforts to have your other citizenship revoked.
Being part of the Australian Defence Force is ripe with benefits. First, you will have the honour of preserving peace in the country and protecting it. Second, you’ll have access to pensions, benefits, free medical and dental care, excellent training facilities, and subsidized accommodation, among others. Working for the government also has many perks, like good compensation, superannuation, and employment pension.
Mishaps while overseas are a prime headache, but being an Australian citizen, the embassies will take care of that. In case of accidents, injuries, natural disasters, passport loss, and other unwanted instances, you may seek aid from Australian embassies and consulates located worldwide.
As a permanent resident visa holder, your children will become Australian citizens automatically given they were born in the country. If you are an Australian citizen, children born anywhere in the world can be registered as Australian citizens by descent. They are entitled to rights, privileges, and benefits enjoyed by other Australian citizens.
Australian citizenship does not have an expiry date. As a citizen you can apply for an Australian passport and have total freedom to travel in and out of Australia (including being overseas, without any time limitations or restrictions to re-enter).
Being a permanent visa holder, you are already entitled to education subsidies to aid you in tertiary education expenses. But being a citizen gives you (and your children) more options in education cost deferrals such as HECS programs, scholarships, awards and the Student Income Support from the Australian government.
If you and your spouse are Australian citizens, you are eligible to adopt a child here. Do note that requirements may vary in every state.
You will have full travel and work rights in New Zealand (as Australia and New Zealand have a Trans-Tasman agreement).
The Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Goodwill games are just few of the sporting events Australia always send delegates to. If you are an Australian citizen, you are eligible to participate and represent the country in these events, if you want to embark on a sporting career.
Australians are the toughest people to offend. They are generally laid back, fun-loving, extremely friendly. But despite their jovial outlook in life, Aussies follow a certain code of conduct in dealing with other people. You go against this code and you upset the blokes that are basically known for their amenable attitude.
Here are five things that sounds pretty normal for us, but Aussies really frown upon. You’ve been warned.
In the United States, Canada and most parts of the world, taking the backseat of a taxi might be the protocol, as sometimes taking the shotgun might be throwing a hint that you’re going to rob or put the driver in harm.
Taking the back seat in Australia, however, is a faux pas. It violates the spirit of mateship and trying to send the message that you are above the driver. Aussies’ cordial mindset draws upon the concept of Egalitarianism, the idea of judging a person based on his/her character, and not on economic background, race, and job. So when taking a cab, go for the front seat, have a chat, and know the Aussies’ way of life. It’s much more fun.
Again, this goes with the idea of mateship. Being mates means you don’t talk down on the other guy in any aspects of his character, political stance, religion, race, or job. Being highly opinionated can turn people off instantaneously.
Other cultures might think a bit of arrogance is cool, as it shows confidence, brash, and ability. But Aussies appreciate warmth and connection more than displays of bravado. Not that they are a bunch of overly sensitive people. They just understand that the best friendship means that the other guy is not always trying to say he’s better than the rest.
“Taking the piss” is a British slang meaning having fun at the expense of someone present. And this is OK with Australians. Throwing and hurling back friendly insults is one of the few things Australians can do all day. What is not OK, however, is making fun of the person or a group of people not around.
See, Aussies value honesty more than any virtue. And having amusement at the expense of somebody not around is a back stab on their character, since they are not around to defend themselves and /or throw the insult back. If you don’t want to risk being labeled as a bigot, a self-deprecating humor is the best alternative.
Being a country that whole-heartedly appreciates beer (except the warm variety), it is not surprising that a significant part of its social protocols involves drinking. Buying the rounds of drink (or shouts) is one of them.
Each person in the group, in the spirit of goodwill, is supposed to buy the rounds for each member. This practice of fair-and-square deal eliminates the feeling of being an outsider, since you get to partake in an activity where everybody equally pays and equally receives.
Just because somebody offered the shouts (or any other favor for that matter) without asking any in return, you should accept it right away. You are displaying yourself as a freeloader, and basically a stoop down of your level.
When offered a favor, Australians expect you to offer resistance or at least provide also a favor in return. Do not be a person who will grab any opportunity to get freebies.