Q: Is it possible to transfer between Origin's different business divisions?
A: Yes, we actively encourage promotion from within and all our vacancies are advertised on our intranet to encourage internal applicants.
Q: What training support can I expect?
A: Origin has a formalised performance review process that includes agreed training needs. In conjunction with your manager you will agree on your training needs for the following 12 months.
Q: Is it possible to get a listing of the cost of living indicators, to enable me to judge the offer between my country and Australia or New Zealand?
http://www.australia-migration.com/page/Cost_of_Living_calculator/95
A: Once we have entered into final discussions, we can provide more specific information, related to your individual circumstances.
Q: What is the term of the agreement/contract?
A: The term of the contract we will offer is 4 years, in line with the 457 Visa you would require. We would like to encourage you to think about Australia or New Zealand as a long term option and can discuss what options are available to you.
Q: What happens at the end of my contract/visa?
A: As part of the 457 Visa, we are required to repatriate you to your point of origin if an extension on the contract and or/visa was not granted or required.
Q: Are there provisions for reconnaissance travel?
A: If requested, we will bring you to Australia as part of your final decision making process (i.e. after contract details have been agreed) and meet the expenses associated with that trip, such as travel, accommodation and food.
Q: Who makes our travel arrangements?
A: Origin takes care of all the details and costs associated with your relocation. Business Class airfares will be provided for flights over 5 hours' duration, for yourself and your immediate family. Flights will be booked in line with Origin's Travel Policy of Best Fares and will take into account the most suitable itinerary for you as well.
Q: Is there a maximum volume / number of personal items that we can bring into the country?
A: Origin will cover the sea shipping costs of your personal items as follows:
- 20ft (approx 6m) container for a single/couple or a 40ft (approx 12m) container for a family, plus standard transit insurance.
- There will also be a reasonable allowance for unaccompanied airfreight.
Q: Are we eligible for medical insurance in Australia?
A: Australia has a publicly funded Medicare scheme to cover its residents for Public Hospital and General Medical Expenses. Non-residents and those in the country on Working Visas are not eligible for this scheme.
Origin will provide full medical insurance for yourself and your immediate family. It will be the highest level coverage. In Australia, even the highest level cover does not guarantee zero out of pocket expenses, as doctor's fees can often be greater than the scheduled fees covered by insurance, so the difference needs to be paid.
Q: Can I apply for a Permanent Residency Visa as part of the application process?
A: Origin utilises the 457 Visa - a short term business visa for overseas hires. The processing time for a 457 visa averages 2 - 4 months.
Q: Do I need to pay tax in Australia?
A: Whilst working in Australia you are bound by the same tax rates as Australian residents. For further information please refer to the Australian Tax Office Website at:
www.ato.gov.au
Q: Will Origin help me with tax advice to ensure I avoid any errors in the taxes I pay in Australia and my country of origin?
A: We will engage a tax consultant to brief you on Australian tax laws and your obligations as a result of your employment in Australia. The tax consultant will also assist you with the preparation of your first year's tax return in Australia.
Q: Are there any tax concessions for ex-pats working and living in Australia?