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

Preventing family violence in migrant communities

One in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Family violence can affect anybody, but migrant women face additional barriers when they need to get help.

Nov 22, 20176 min

Immunisation rates continue to rise

Since the Government linked immunisation to family payments, Australia’s immunisation rate continues to rise. However, vaccination rates and policies still vary across States and Territories. Experts are calling for a National Immunisation Strategy.

Nov 16, 20177 min

Immunisation rates continue to rise

Since the Government linked immunisation to family payments, Australia’s immunisation rate continues to rise. However, vaccination rates and policies still vary across States and Territories. Experts are calling for a National Immunisation Strategy.

Nov 16, 20177 min

Vaccination rules in Australia

Health authorities aim to reach herd (or community) immunity, when enough people are immunised from a disease that an infection cannot spread. However, Australia's immunisation coverage is below herd immunity levels. Now the Australian Government is offering incentive payments to health providers to boost coverage rates.

Nov 15, 20179 min

The benefits of an online health record

Navigating the Australian health system, understanding what the doctors say and remembering all the information they give you can be confusing, even if you grew up in Australia. And if you're new to the country it's even harder. But there’s an online tool called My Health Record that can make your life much easier.

Nov 08, 20177 min

Paying for university in Australia

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world when it comes to higher education. It's no surprise that 90 per cent of its eligible students take up a loan to pay for university. There are different types of loans, as well as scholarships, to assist students with their fees.

Nov 01, 20177 min

Paying for university in Australia

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world when it comes to higher education. It's no surprise that 90 per cent of its eligible students take up a loan to pay for university. There are different types of loans, as well as scholarships, to assist students with their fees.

Nov 01, 20176 min

Freedom of religion and secularism in Australia

Australia has been a secular country since federation. The Constitution of 1901 prohibits the Commonwealth government from interfering with the free exercise of any religion. But how far can freedom of religion go in a country where Christians have been the majority since European settlement, whilst 30 per cent of the population has no religious belief?

Oct 25, 20177 min

Migrant workers' workplace rights in Australia

Migrant workers in Australia have the same rights as Australians when it comes to wages, conditions and safety. And there are easy ways to report if those rights are not respected.

Oct 18, 20176 min

Strategies you can employ to get a job interview in Australia

Newly arrived migrants are more likely to be jobless than Australian-born workers. Career coaches say the biggest hurdle many newcomers face is their inability to secure an interview despite their qualifications. So, what are the strategies job seekers can employ to get a job interview?

Oct 11, 20176 min

Avoid falling victim to online fraudsters

We work, shop, play and interact with family and friends online. But more Australians are falling victim to online scams than ever before. The Australian Governments Stay Smart Online week reminds consumers of how we can stay safe on the net.

Oct 04, 20177 min

How to access mental health services in Australia

Mental illness is the third highest cause of burden of disease in Australia after cancer and cardiovascular disease. Yet, some migrant communities only use mental health services at a very low rate. Limited knowledge about the available services, cultural stigma and language barriers often turn them away from seeking help.

Sep 27, 201710 min

Having a say in Australia is part of the democratic process

All Australians have the right to participate as active citizens in shaping the society we live in. However, due to past traumatic experiences some new migrants maybe fearful of speaking up in public and do not know how our democratic processes work.

Sep 20, 20177 min

Did you know you can access interpreter services for free?

Qualified translators and interpreters can be a big help when youre new to Australia. They can do a range of things from translating official documents to accompany you to a doctor appointment to make sure you understand what's going on, in your language.

Sep 13, 20177 min

Everything you need to know about doing your taxes in Australia

Tax time is when Australians complete their tax returns after the end of the financial year on 1 July. Its the time to check if the correct amount of tax has been paid and if any deductions can be claimed. It can also mean money back in your pocket in a tax refund.

Sep 06, 20178 min

Your right to work safety

The law requires all employers to create a safe working environment to minimise injury and illness in the workplace. However Australian Bureau of Statistics show that during 2013 to 2014, over half a million people suffered a work-related injury or illness. Some occupations are more dangerous than others but culturally and linguistically diverse workers are a high risk group.

Aug 16, 20178 min

Rising homelessness in Australia

Housing, financial difficulties and domestic violence are the top three causes of homelessness, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. SBS takes you to an inner-city park in Brisbane to explore what it means to be homeless.

Aug 09, 20177 min

Why you shouldn't avoid conversation about death

Talking about death makes many of us uncomfortable. But by avoiding the subject, it might just make things worse when the time comes. Talking with your loved ones about your Will, Advance Care Directive and other wishes is important for you and for them.

Aug 02, 20177 min

Becoming an organ donor in Australia

Did you know that by donating your organs and tissues when you die, you could save or improve the life of at least ten people? With thousands of Australians being on transplant waiting lists or dialysis, it's important that more people become donors.

Jul 26, 20176 min

Fostering a child in Australia

Theres a growing need for families to give foster children loving and safe homes. Welcoming a child from your cultural or linguistic community into your home also brings many benefits. And carers from culturally diverse backgrounds are also in high demand. So, how to become a foster carer?

Jul 19, 20177 min

Starting your own business in Australia

Many Australians would love to be their own boss. But running a small business takes hard work. So, how do you to start and what does it take to be successful when times get tough?

Jul 11, 20175 min

Do you know what to do at an auction?

Hearing an auctioneers call of Going one, going twice, sold! is common to many property buyers in Australia. Buying at auction is one of the most popular ways to buy a house, but there are many traps for those who do not know the rules and may end up making a costly mistake.

Jul 05, 20176 min

How to access family tax benefits in Australia

Cost of living pressures are a concern for many Australian families. The federal government offers different types of payments to help families, including the family tax benefit. Do you know if you're eligible, how you could access it and what changes are coming from 1 July?

Jun 21, 20176 min

Access to mental health services is vital for refugees

Every year, thousands of refugees and asylum seekers arrive in Australia. They are often fleeing war, persecution and torture. Making sure they can access healthcare, including mental health services, is an important part of their settlement. But the Australian healthcare system can bring new challenges for them.

Jun 14, 20177 min

Elder abuse in the family

We might not hear about elder abuse very often but the government believes up to ten per cent of older Australians suffer abuse every year. And it's often difficult for older migrants, who face additional barriers when it comes to reporting the abuse. There are ways to get help.

Jun 07, 20177 min

Building bridges between police and communities

Whether its reporting suspicious activity, or being random breath tested, many of us will meet police in our day to day lives. However, for some new arrivals it can be a fearful experience, reminding them of corruption or injustice in their homelands. A new initiative called Coffee with a Cop is trying to overcome old resentments towards police.

May 31, 20176 min
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