Australia Explained - podcast cover

Australia Explained

Everything you need to know when settling into life in Australia. Hear helpful information about health, housing, jobs, visas and citizenship, Australian laws and more.
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Episodes

How to get contents insurance

Fire, floods or burglary at your home could see you lose everything. This is why home and contents insurance exists. So, how do you find the best policy for your needs?

May 24, 20177 min

Growing anxiety about housing affordability

Public anxiety about housing affordability is at an all-time high. Can the federal budget help those on low incomes, refugees and recent arrivals who are on public housing waiting lists?

May 16, 20177 min

What to do when you get a fine and how to fight it

Being new to Australia often means adapting to a new language but also to new laws and possible fines. It can be difficult to understand why you get fines, how to pay them or how to dispute them. Theres support for those who need it to dispute fines and understand the legal system better.

May 10, 20176 min

Did you know you can access national parks in Australia?

Australia has over five hundred national parks spreading across deserts, forests, mountains and water. While their main purpose is to protect the native flora, fauna and culture, they also exist for Australians and visitors to enjoy.

May 03, 20176 min

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia

On average, one Australian dies every 12 minutes as a result of a cardio vascular disease. When it comes to heart attacks, one Australian dies almost every hour. Do you know how to recognise the signs of a heart attack and what to do if it happens?

Apr 26, 20176 min

The cultural diversity of Australia’s Anzacs

Anzac Day has become a symbol of Australias national identity. Anzacs means the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and included many Indigenous and multicultural servicemen and women.

Apr 19, 20179 min

Helping your child settle into school in Australia

Starting school is a crucial step for children and families in settling in Australia. Children of migrant families often experience additional barriers in connecting to their new school community. Parents play a vital role in their kid's education and experts encourage them to be actively involved in their childs school.

Apr 11, 20177 min

Preventing sexually transmitted infections

No one is immune from sexually transmitted infections and yet, for many migrant communities in Australia, discussing sexual health and safety is still sometimes considered taboo. Looking after your sexual health is as important as any other aspect of your health. From the SBS Settlement Guide, here are some tips for staying safe.

Apr 05, 20178 min

How to job search

A lack of Australian experience and cross-cultural misunderstandings can provide additional barriers. Using "Jobactive", the Australian Government's initiative connecting job seekers with employers, is one way of finding employment.

Mar 28, 20178 min

Legal Aid in Australia explained

All Australians are equal before the law but not everybody can afford to pay for the legal services required to obtain justice. In order to close this gap, there are eight legal aid commissions in Australia, one in each state and territory. The purpose of legal aid commissions is to provide vulnerable, disadvantaged and newly arrived Australians with access to justice.

Mar 22, 20177 min

Helping migrants access dental care

Oral health is about much more than just having a pretty smile. The health of your mouth often reflects and can have an impact on the state of the rest of your body. Dental care is expensive in Australia, but there are ways to bring down the costs.

Mar 14, 20176 min

Tenants’ rights in Australia explained

When renting a property, tenants have key rights and responsibilities. However a new survey says many renters experience anxiety and discrimination, with new migrants particularly vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation in the housing market.

Mar 07, 20177 min

Unemployment support in Australia explained

The Australian unemployment rate continues at 5.7 per cent for the ninth consecutive month, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics February 2017 data. There is support available for those who are looking for work.

Mar 01, 20176 min

Do you know you can access child care in Australia?

As more women join the workforce the demand for suitable and affordable child care grows. The cost varies and its often difficult to navigate the system. So, how do you know what services are available and whether your family is eligible to access government subsidy?

Feb 22, 20178 min

Aged care choices in Australia explained

Australians are getting older and the need for good quality aged care is a growing concern. Many don't know about the services and how they can access them.

Feb 15, 20179 min

Public housing in Australia explained.

For new Australians, securing accommodation is an integral part of the settlement process. Community groups across the country work alongside governments to help those most in need develop sustainable and effective solutions. But one of these solutions, public housing, is now harder to find.

Feb 08, 20179 min

How to see a doctor in Australia?

When we are sick the first point of contact is often the family doctor. Family doctors are commonly referred to as general practitioners or GPs in Australia. All Australian citizens, permanent residents and certain visa holders can access Medicare, which provides free or subsidised treatment by doctors and specialists.

Feb 01, 20178 min

What are your consumer rights in Australia?

In Australia consumers have rights under the law called consumer guarantees - and they could save you money. However, people whove recently settled in Australia can be extra vulnerable to questionable deals and businesses.

Jan 25, 20177 min

What's Australia Day?

Australias national day has its roots in the countrys colonial past. Many Indigenous Australians regard it as Invasion or Survival Day. How has the meaning of Australia Day changed over time?

Jan 18, 20178 min

How to drive in Australia with an overseas licence

Being able to drive in a car is a necessity for many new arrivals to Australia. Yet, knowing if you need an Australian drivers licence and how to get one can change from state to state.

Dec 07, 20166 min

What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme?

It's hailed as the biggest health policy since Medicare. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aims to provide the nearly half a million Australians who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life.

Nov 30, 201610 min

Australia’s First Peoples

Australias First Peoples are the world's oldest living civilization, dating back some 50,000 years, according to a recent genetic study by an international team of academics. Yet, many Australians know little about the history of our First Peoples.

Nov 23, 201611 min

The finance report

The ASX, Gold, Crude Oil, shares and the Aussie dollar. We hear the finance report on the news every day. It may sound alien or foreign, and you might feel it has nothing to do with you. Do you know what it means?

Nov 09, 201612 min

How to convert your qualification

Australia is welcoming more skilled migrants - arrivals with tertiary qualifications have almost doubled since 2001. When a lack of local experience and qualifications becomes a hurdle to getting a job what assistance is on offer?

Oct 26, 20167 min

Recognising emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is recognised as a damaging element of family violence. The Australian Bureau of Statistics says 3.3 million Australians have experienced emotional abuse by a partner since the age of 15. In migrant communities there are additional barriers which can impact on how the abuse is experienced. So, what exactly is emotional abuse and what are its effects?

Oct 19, 20169 min

Caring for carers

In many migrant communities providing daily care for family and friends is a way of life and not something you ask for help with. National Carers Week (16-22 October) is a chance to show support for the vital role of carers and highlight the needs of carers supporting diverse communities.

Oct 12, 20166 min

Staying smart online

Cyber threats posed by technological developments are often one step ahead of the users and online intelligence services. Language barriers can be a significant impediment to identifying threats. So, what are the dangers of cyberspace and how can we protect our privacy online?

Oct 05, 20167 min

How to change your name

There are many reasons why a person may wish to change their name. While the process to change is relatively simple, there are concerns some migrants change their name to avoid discrimination.

Sep 21, 20168 min

Addressing drug use with your family

According to the Australian Drug Foundation, nearly three in ten teenagers have had a glass of alcohol in the past year. For many migrant parents addressing drug use can be a daunting task. Experts advise to stay calm and be non-judgemental.

Sep 14, 201610 min

10 facts about stroke

A stroke is not a heart attack. A stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is suddenly disrupted. Getting urgent medical help is critical to survival and recovery.

Sep 07, 20168 min
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