Work & immigration
Working in Adelaide
Whether you are seeking to supplement your income, meet new people or harness the skills needed for a future career, finding a part-job in Adelaide is a great idea.
Although education should be the first priority, it is equally important that you understand your rights and responsibilities when you join the workforce.
To help highlight these rights and responsibilities the Chairman of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC) and Lt Governor of South Australia Mr Hieu Van Le has written to South Australian employers to explain how important international students are to the community.
Mr Le writes:
By helping create a safe, welcome environment and by providing employment opportunities for students, our city and state will benefit directly and indirectly. These future leaders will provide trade, diplomatic and business relationships we are confident will benefit you, your business and your communities.
For more information about the Australian workplace visit the following sites:
- Access the Australian Governments catalogue of workers’ rights and responsibilities including; pay and conditions, time & wages record keeping, facts for young workers, agreement-making rules, termination of employment protocol, freedom of association privileges, rights of entry, sham contracting, and information for overseas workers.
- The Department of Immigration and Citizenship supplies information on: obtaining necessary visas, living in Australia, and applying for citizenship.
- Visit the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, if you feel that you have been discriminated against in the workplace.
- If you feel you have been unfairly fired from your job contact the Australian Industrial Commission
- For more information on workplace affairs and information for migrants working in Australia visit the Workplace Authority website
When you start looking for work it is a good idea to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). Without one you may end up paying more tax than you need to.
Find out more about part-time work opportunities
Volunteering
Many international students work as volunteers because it is fulfilling and can lead to future career opportunities. Volunteering SA will be able to help you find something that suits.
Migration
South Australia has a skills shortage and is actively encouraging international students to stay and work in Australia. Around 50% of applications assessed under the skilled migrant program are from former internaitonal students.
Find out more about migration opportunities for students
- If you study in Australia for more than six months, expect to pay the same tax as Australian residents
- To make sure you pay the correct amount of tax you must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
- Make sure you keep your TFN because it will remain the same regardless of whether you change jobs or move interstate
- All workers in Australia are required to lodge a tax return at the end of the financial year to the Australia Taxation Office (ATO).
For more information about paying tax in Australia visit the Australian Tax Office