Settling in Brisbane
Your settlement checklist for Brisbane, Australia
99 tasks • 5 city-specific
Brisbane-Specific Tasks
These tasks are specific to Brisbane — local transport, services, and things that differ from other cities.
Housing & Accommodation
Know your tenants' rights in Queensland
The RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority) manages bonds and provides advice for Queensland renters.
Understand rental bonds in Queensland
QLD bonds are lodged with the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority). Maximum is 4 weeks rent.
Understand Brisbane's rental market
Brisbane is more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne. The rental market has tightened recently.
Applies Everywhere
These tasks are the same regardless of which city you're in.
Money & Finance
Apply for your TFN (Tax File Number)
A TFN is your unique tax ID in Australia. You need it to work, open bank accounts, and lodge tax returns. Without it, you'll be taxed at the highest rate.
Open an Australian bank account
You need a local bank account to get paid, pay rent, and manage daily expenses. Most banks have accounts designed for newcomers.
Choose your superannuation fund
Super is Australia's retirement savings system. Your employer must pay 11.5% of your salary into a super fund. You can choose which fund.
Know the Working Holiday Maker tax rate
As a WHM, you're taxed differently. The first $45,000 you earn is taxed at 15%, not the usual tax-free threshold.
Check Centrelink eligibility on Partner visa
Partner visa holders have a 2-year waiting period for most Centrelink payments. Some exceptions apply.
Compare electricity and gas providers
Australia has many energy retailers with varying rates. Compare plans to find the best deal for your usage.
Confirm your super guarantee rate
As of July 2025, employers must pay 12% super guarantee on top of your salary. This is going up each year.
Claim your super when leaving Australia (DASP)
If you're leaving Australia permanently, you can claim your super money. It's called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
Lodge your annual tax return
Australian tax year runs July 1 to June 30. Lodge your tax return by October 31 to avoid penalties.
Check Centrelink support for new residents
Some PR holders and visa types can access Centrelink payments after waiting periods. Check what you're eligible for.
Consolidate multiple super accounts
If you've had multiple jobs, you may have multiple super accounts. Each charges fees. Combine them to save money.
Review super fund insurance
Many super funds include life, TPD, and income protection insurance. Check if yours covers you and if it's good value.
Understand Australian credit scores
Australia has credit scores like other countries. Your credit history here starts fresh, but matters for loans and rentals.
Claim the tax-free threshold
Australian residents for tax purposes don't pay tax on the first $18,200 earned. Tell your employer to reduce withholding.
Understand HECS-HELP for citizens/PR students
If you're an Australian citizen or PR studying at university, you may be eligible for HECS-HELP - a government loan for tuition.
Use First Home Super Saver Scheme
First home buyers can withdraw voluntary super contributions to buy a home. Tax benefits make this attractive.
Apply for Child Care Subsidy
If you have children in childcare, you may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy to reduce fees.
Get car insurance (compulsory and optional)
CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance is required for registration. Additional insurance protects your car.
Get contents insurance for your belongings
Contents insurance covers your stuff against theft, fire, and damage. Your landlord's insurance doesn't cover your things.
Get travel insurance for overseas trips
When leaving Australia for holidays, get travel insurance. Medicare doesn't cover you overseas.
Review and compare MySuper products
MySuper is a simple, low-cost default super option. If you're in a default fund, check if a MySuper product or a different investment option suits you better.
Check your credit report (free annual check)
You're entitled to a free credit report every 3 months from each credit bureau. Check for errors and understand your score.
Review your energy plan
Energy plan discounts often expire after 12 months. Check if you're still on a good deal or if it's time to switch.
Set up salary sacrifice for super
Salary sacrifice lets you contribute extra to super from your pre-tax salary. It reduces your taxable income and boosts retirement savings.
File your first Australian tax return (step-by-step)
Your first Australian tax return can be confusing. Gather your documents, understand what you can claim, and lodge before the deadline.
Create or update your will and power of attorney
If you have assets in Australia, make sure your will is valid under Australian law. Consider a power of attorney for medical and financial decisions.
Admin & Government
Create a myGov account
myGov is your gateway to Australian government services. You'll use it for Medicare, Centrelink, tax returns, and more. Think of it as your digital government ID.
Check your visa conditions in VEVO
VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) shows your exact visa conditions - work rights, study rights, expiry dates, and travel conditions.
Check overseas licence rules for your visa
Temporary visa holders can usually drive on their overseas licence in NSW without transferring. But rules vary by state and visa type.
Learn to spot Australian scams
Scammers often target newcomers who don't know Australian systems. Learn the warning signs and report suspicious contacts.
Know about free interpreting services
TIS National provides free interpreters for government services, medical appointments, and some other situations. Don't let language hold you back.
Create your USI (Unique Student Identifier)
A USI is your personal education ID number. You need it to enrol in any course in Australia. It's free and stays with you for life.
Keep evidence of your genuine relationship
For Partner visa applicants, you need to prove your relationship is genuine. Start collecting evidence from day one.
Understand the citizenship pathway
As a permanent resident, you can apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of residency, including 1 year as a PR.
Know your 5-year travel facility as a PR
When you get permanent residency, you have 5 years of travel rights. After that, you need a Resident Return Visa to re-enter Australia.
Enrol to vote (Permanent Residents becoming citizens)
Once you become an Australian citizen, you must enrol to vote. It's compulsory for federal, state, and most local elections.
Save the Police Assistance Line: 131 444
For non-emergency police matters, call 131 444 instead of 000. Use it for reporting theft, damage, or suspicious activity.
Update your address in ImmiAccount
You must notify the Department of Home Affairs within 14 days of changing your address. Do it online through ImmiAccount.
Attend your university orientation
Orientation week (O-week) introduces you to campus, services, and other students. Don't miss it.
Understand course progress requirements
Student visa holders must maintain satisfactory course progress. Failing too many units can lead to visa cancellation.
Plan your PR pathway early
If you want permanent residency, start planning now. Some visas require specific work experience, regional work, or employer sponsorship.
Choose a mobile phone plan
Australia has three networks (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) and many providers using them. Prepaid is easiest for newcomers.
Set up home internet
Most Australian homes use NBN. Compare providers carefully - prices and quality vary significantly.
Apply for your second Working Holiday visa
Completed 88 days of specified regional work? You can apply for a second year WHM visa.
Calculate your skilled migration points
General Skilled Migration (189, 190, 491 visas) uses a points test. Calculate yours to see if you're competitive.
Get your skills assessed
For most skilled visas, you need a skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation.
Take an English test if needed
Many visas and professional registrations require proof of English. IELTS and PTE are the most common tests.
Get documents translated by NAATI
For official purposes (driver licence, visa applications), you need translations by NAATI-accredited translators.
Know where to get free legal help
Each state has Legal Aid services offering free legal advice for those who can't afford lawyers.
Know your consumer rights
Australian consumer law is strong. You have rights when things are faulty, not as described, or services aren't delivered.
Access student support services
Universities have extensive support services: academic skills, counselling, career advice, disability support, and more.
Enrol children in school
School is compulsory for children 6-16 in Australia. Public schools are free for citizens/PR, fees apply for temporary visa holders.
Join a community or cultural association
Connecting with others from your background or interests helps with belonging and mental health. Many associations exist across Australia.
Review your settlement progress and next visa steps
After a year, take stock of what you've achieved and plan your next steps. Are you on track for your goals?
Check eligibility for permanent residency upgrade
If you're on a temporary visa, check if you're now eligible for PR. Requirements often include time in Australia, skills assessment, or employer sponsorship.
Check Resident Return Visa requirements
If you're a PR planning overseas travel, check your travel facility is still valid. You may need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia.
Plan for family reunion visa sponsorship
If you have family overseas you want to bring to Australia, understand the sponsorship process and plan ahead.
Health & Wellbeing
Enrol in Medicare
Medicare is Australia's public health system. It covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, and some medical costs. Not all visa types are eligible.
Activate your OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
Student visa holders don't get Medicare. Instead, you must have OSHC - private health insurance that covers medical costs during your studies.
Know the emergency number: 000
000 is Australia's emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance. Call only in life-threatening or time-critical situations.
Save Lifeline for mental health crises
Lifeline is a 24/7 crisis support service. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or suicidal, call them. It's free and confidential.
Access Beyond Blue for anxiety and depression
Beyond Blue provides information and support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Their counsellors understand the challenges of starting over.
Find a bulk-billing GP near you
A bulk-billing GP is a doctor who accepts Medicare as full payment - no out-of-pocket cost. Find one before you get sick.
Compare private health insurance
Consider private health insurance to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge and get faster access to specialists.
Save Kids Helpline for under 25s
Kids Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service for anyone under 25. Available 24/7 by phone, chat, or email.
Know 1800RESPECT for domestic violence support
1800RESPECT is Australia's national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Free, confidential, 24/7.
Find an after-hours doctor service
Medical issues don't always happen during business hours. Know your local after-hours GP options.
Find your local pharmacy (chemist)
Pharmacists can help with minor ailments without a GP appointment. Know where your nearest one is.
Get a Mental Health Care Plan
If you're struggling with mental health, a GP can create a Mental Health Care Plan giving you Medicare-subsidised psychologist sessions.
Avoid Lifetime Health Cover loading
If you don't have private hospital cover by July 1 after your 31st birthday, you pay a 2% loading for each year you're late (up to 70%).
Jobs & Employment
Know your workplace rights
Australian workplace law protects all workers, regardless of visa type. You have rights to minimum wage, breaks, leave, and safe conditions.
Understand the 48-hour fortnight work rule
Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. Unlimited hours during official breaks.
Know the 60-day rule if you lose your job
On a 482 visa, if your employment ends, you have 60 days to find a new sponsor or leave Australia. This is critical for your visa status.
Understand the 6-month employer limit
Working Holiday Maker visa holders can only work for one employer for 6 months. This rule exists to encourage travel and variety.
Plan your regional work for visa extension
Want a second or third year on your Working Holiday visa? You need to complete specified work in regional Australia.
Check your pay rate with the Fair Work calculator
The Pay Calculator shows your minimum legal pay rate based on your job, age, and employment type.
Know the minimum wage
As of July 2025, Australia's national minimum wage is $24.10 per hour (or $915.90 per week for full-time). Casuals get 25% loading on top.
Get an ABN for freelance/contractor work
If you're doing freelance, gig economy, or contractor work, you may need an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Save the Fair Work hotline: 13 13 94
Fair Work provides free advice about pay, conditions, and workplace issues. Your visa won't be affected by calling.
Track your work hours with the Fair Work app
The Record My Hours app lets you track when you work, including breaks. It's evidence if there's a pay dispute.
Format your resume for Australia
Australian resumes are different from other countries. Keep it to 2-3 pages, focus on achievements, and include a career summary.
Register on Australian job sites
Create profiles on Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn. These are where most Australian jobs are advertised.
Communicate your visa work rights to employers
Be upfront about your visa type and work rights. It's not a disadvantage if presented correctly.
Write Australian-style cover letters
Cover letters are expected for most professional jobs in Australia. They should be brief, tailored, and address the selection criteria.
Volunteer to build Australian connections
Volunteering is a great way to meet people, gain local experience, and contribute to your community.
Attend industry networking events
Many jobs in Australia come through connections. Networking events help you build your professional network.
Check professional registration requirements
Some professions (nursing, teaching, engineering, accounting) require Australian registration or membership.
Update your resume with Australian experience
After 6 months, you have Australian experience to add. Refresh your resume with local roles, achievements, and referees.
Get a National Police Check
Many jobs, volunteer roles, and visa applications require a National Police Check. It shows any criminal history in Australia.
Register for Australian professional development
Many professions require Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Stay current with Australian standards and practices.
Get your RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)
If you work or want to work in hospitality, you need an RSA certificate. It's mandatory for serving alcohol in Australia.
Getting Around
Check transport concessions for students
Most states offer discounted public transport for students. You usually need to apply with your student ID and proof of enrolment.
Learn Australian road rules
Australia has unique road rules. Even experienced drivers should review them before driving here.
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