Hi - I've been offered a job out in Australia (probably Sydney) and this website has a real eye-opener in what I should be expecting - just to check, it sounds like I should try to negotiate LAFHA benefits for as much as possible (so rent, food - anything else?), make sure I know what the super deduction will be and also what medical contribution I'll be expected to pay.

Can you think of anything else that I should try to ask for (someone suggested 'plane tickets home once a year!)??

My job would either be based in Lane Cove or Chatswood - which doesn't seem to leave too many options for living in the suburbs (I'm a very keen climber, so I want to live really close to work and be able to get out to the Blue Mountains as easily as possible) - but this means quite expensive rent. Any recommendations on good neighbourhoods near to my job?

I've just been out in Oz for a month & its a shock to the system being back in the UK! Cross fingers I manage to get the job in Oz sorted out!

Thanks for your help (hopefully!)

Lucy

As far as LAFHA is concerned the food element has a max amount based upon number of adults/children accompanying. The rental element is negotiable between yourself and the company but obviously the higher the better, I have been offered $500 per week rental but they will allow a change in that when I find a property. I am also looking in those areas but have set myself a max of $650 per week which, after spending ages looking, will be more than adequate for a 3 bed property.
Super has a min of 9% and your negotiation should take into account your expected duration in Oz. If its a temp duration then, as I am, just stick with the legal mininum. If you later intend permanent duration then just plan ahead and set a figure based on that. Ensure your package is set out so that you know what your base salary plus super will be and have them break it down for you so that, taking into account LAFHA and medicare, what your take home will be. I am of the opinion that the full food element is more than adequate for your needs, use a figure of $150 per week as a comfortable figure and you should have enough left over to increase your take home.
Have you looked at Kellyville and places out that way to the north west, might be worth considering.

Hi Lucy

Looks like Paddyo has covered most things. The only other advice I can give is be aware of the private health insurance costs for temp. residents. The sponsoring employer is liable for any medical costs you incur (as far as I understand it) so it might be worth suggesting they top up your salary to include the insurance premium (i got a quote for $2.2k per year!).

I am moving to Mosman middle of February. What are you going to be doing in Sydney? Bit of a trekking fanatic myself so am planning to visit the BM too.

Hope it works out ok.

Thanks for your advice - I was definitely more informed when I was doing my negotiations. I _should_ be out in Oz in April - assuming all goes well.

Good luck Elain - hope you settle in OK