Professions
In our Australian office, we recruit permanent Doctors and Nurses from countries out with Australia
Salary
Salaries and conditions are legislated under a state award. Salaries therefore vary from state to state and may vary between private and public hospitals, but all organisations are required to abide by the minimum award conditions. Most organisations pay salaries fortnightly by EFT into your bank account.
Generally speaking, you will be better off financially in Australia than in the UK as the cost of living is much lower.
Superannuation
In addition to your salary, your employer is obligated by law to pay an additional sum into an approved superannuation fund. As of 2003, this amount is equivalent to 9% of your base salary. Some employers may pay an amount over the minimum 9%.
Income tax
Income is taxed at a variable rate, depending on your income. The Australian Government requires all taxpayers to complete a tax return annually, giving everyone an opportunity to claim tax relief on a range of work expenses. It is a good idea to keep all work related expense receipts as you may be able to claim a tax rebate at the end of the financial year. You may complete your tax return yourself, although specialist tax consultants can do this for you and can usually identify many more tax deductible items.
When you arrive in Australia, you should apply for a “Tax File Number”, or you will be taxed at the highest rate. For any taxation information, you may refer to the Australian taxation website: http://www.ato.gov.au
Employer offered benefits
Professional development
All of the healthcare facilities Medacs International deals with are committed to providing professional development opportunities for their staff. In some instances, tertiary education may be funded or partly funded by your employer and / or study leave may be granted.
Accommodation
Hospital accommodation may be available in some facilities, but is generally much more limited than in the UK. Medacs International will of course arrange for accommodation for you on arrival where no hospital accommodation is available, in line with your budget.
Relocation reimbursements
Some facilities do offer paid flights, especially in the rural areas. This is rare however in the more popular destinations, such as the State capital cities.
Salary Sacrificing
Many employers offer salary sacrificing options, which can provide substantial income tax relief benefits.
Rural / Outback opportunities
For many overseas travellers, an outback experience can be one of the memorable highlights of a working trip to Australia. An outback placement provides the opportunity to experience a unique lifestyle you are unlikely to encounter anywhere else in the world. From a professional perspective, an outback placement can offer a wealth of experience and variety, such as dealing with indigenous health issues.
Most states welcome rural / outback applications from Doctors and many have introduced a number of initiatives to encourage applications for posts. For example, Queensland Health has a rural relieving pool system in place, whereby Junior and Senior House Officers and Registrars may undertake rural locum relieving positions. An ideal opportunity to find out if this is the lifestyle for you! Training in emergency medicine and rural preparation and orientation courses will be provided for you.
For OTD's wishing to become a rural general practitioner, a range of incentive grants, and access to provider numbers, may be available.
We can offer a range of rural positions to suit your requirements and skill level, with short or long term contracts and many attractive salary packages being offered.
The Australian Medical Association (AMA)
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is an independent organisation which represents over 27,000 doctors.
The AMA is the prime health advocacy organisation, which exists to advance the professional interests of doctors and the health of the community.
The AMA has a federal structure with branches in each state and territory, which focus primarily on state matters, and a Canberra-based federal body, which focuses on national issues. In addition to their elected office-bearers, both the federal and state bodies have secretariats of paid employees who assist in the running of the day to day affairs of the Association. For more details regarding the AMA, visit http://www.ama.com.au
Membership enquiries should be addressed to the Australian Medical Association in the relevant State or Territory.
Code of Ethics
It is strongly advised that you are familiar with the AMA code of ethics for Doctors practising in Australia. The AMA Code of Ethics 2003 can be downloaded fromhttp://www.ama.com.au/web.nsf/doc/WEEN-5M4VJV/
Australian Nurse Regulatory Authorities
To practice as a nurse in Australia you must register with the State/ Territorial regulatory authorities of where you intend to work. Each State / Territory has their own application system and set of forms. Application forms for registrations are available from some of the Australian State and Territory Nursing Registration Contact Details, alternatively Medacs can forward registration forms to you on request.
Having registered in one State or Territory of Australia, you are then able to apply for registration in any other State / Territory under the provisions of the Mutual Recognition Act (Commonwealth) 1992. This simplifies and expedites the process of applying for registration in other jurisdictions in Australia.
Please go to our useful links section for a list of all the State Regulatory Authorities.
Infection Control
Most healthcare employers require all clinical staff to provide evidence of Hep B immunity. Before a position can be offered, you will have to send us a copy of your most recent pathology report showing titre levels or antigen status.
It is also strongly recommended that you have immunity to Hepatitis A, Measles, Mumps, Tuberculosis, Varicella zoster and pertussis. If you are non- immune to any of the above, you are advised to be vaccinated prior to leaving home.
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is prevalent in many hospitals and some states require MRSA clearance before you can commence employment.
Visas & immigration
There are various options available to non-Australian passport holders including the Working Holiday Visa (age restrictions apply) and Standard Business Sponsorship Visas.
Medacs will guide you throughout the application process. If you are unsure about your visa situation you should contact your nearest Australian Embassy or High Commission who will be able to assist you.
Accommodation
Many hospitals do not have on site nurses accommodation, where this is the case assistance will be given in finding suitable accommodation for you when you initially arrive and also information to assist you in finding somewhere more permanent if required.
Opening a Bank Account
If your bank has an affiliated Australia branch, which will provide you with full banking services, then it is a good idea to arrange an account with them before you leave. However if you don't have this facility assistance will be given with opening your Bank Account in Australia.
Meet & greet
Transport from the airport to your accommodation is arranged for those signing a 12-month contract, it is also provided for 13-week contract posts in some instances. The Australian office will offer ongoing support to you throughout your time in the Australia regardless of your contract term.