a document guide for australia

1 For a translation, call 131 450Document Guide

If you need help interpreting this document call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on:

131 450

This is a free program designed by the Government to support your transition into Australia. Give the name of this document and the page number you are after, and they will translate the page for you.

Translation

3

Australian Currency

4 - 5

The Process to follow

7

Tax File number

8 - 9

Bank Account

10 - 12

Centrelink

13

Medicare

14 - 15

Driver’s License

16 - 18

Contents

4For a translation, call 131 450

Australian Currency

The Australian Currency is the Australian Dollar ($) which comes in both coins and notes. An Australian Dollar is made up of 100 cents. Each note is made up of dollars, where the number of dollars is shown in the right corner of the note.

Cent (c)

Dollars ($)

5 cent 10 cent 20 cent 50 cent

$1 $2

Coins

5 For a translation, call 131 450

NoteS

$5 $10

$20 $50

$100

Example

=

5 $1 $5


This Document Guide contains information on the most commonly used documentation in Australia. Each section provides information on a different documents essential to life in Australia. The information includes a description, how to obtain the document, when to use and how to use the document.

As well as explaining the uses of Australian money, this guide outlines the order each document should be obtained. As you need to have certain documents before you can obtain others, this is the order you should follow after you arrive in Australia:

Tax File Number

Bank Account

Medicare

Centrelink

Driver’s License (Optional)

1

4

3

2

the process to follow

5


Setting up a Tax File Number

Tax File Number

All Australian citizens are required to pay tax on their income when it exceeds a certain amount. To earn money in Australia, as well as receive income from Centrelink, a Tax File Number is needed.

You can apply for a Tax File Number at your nearest Centrelink or Australian Tax Office (ATO). Please refer to the Area Guide to find your closest centers. If you have access to a computer, you can apply online at:

www.ato.gov.au/individuals/tax-file-number/

You will need to have your passport or travel documents with you.

1

2


You will be given a form to fill out where you must write details like your name, your address and your birthday. If you have any questions, please call an interpretor on:

13 14 50

After you have filled out the form in person, return it to Centrelink or ATO. If you are filling it out online, follow the instructions online to submit the form.

After a few weeks, you will be sent a letter to your indicated address which has your Tax File Number contained.

3

4

5


Bank AccountMost people in Australia keep their money in bank accounts as it is a secure place to keep your money. After you set up a bank account, you will be given a card which gives you access to your account. A card can be used in most places instead of money, including shops, food places and businesses.

Within the first six weeks of arriving in Australia, you should aim to set up a bank account.

Setting up a Bank Account

Visit a local bank. Refer to your Area Guide for locations of a bank.

The bank will need your identification information so bring along your passport or any other forms of identification you have.

After talking to an employee of the bank, choose an account that is best for you. The bank will give you the best options.

After choosing an account, you will have to fill out forms and agree to the conditions of the bank. You will have to choose a username and password for online login as well as pin number for you card.

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2

3

4


It will take a few weeks, depending on the bank you have chosen, for your card to arrive in the mail, which will look similar to the cards shown below. There will be steps to follow to activate your card online or in store.

5

Card Chip

Card NumberExpiry Date

Name


Accessing your money

To get money out of your account, you can visit your bank or go to an Automted Teller Machine (ATM)

ATM are machines that allow you to complete basic transactions with your bank account. They are located everywhere in Australia, generally near shops and banks. You will need your card and your PIN number to access the machine.

Depending on your bank, the design of the ATM will vary but will all feature similar features to the one shown below. After inserting or swiping your card and entering your PIN, you can then choose your account and the amount you would like to take out.


CentrelinkCentrelink is a government program designed to give financial support to refugees and Australian citizens.

Depending on your circumstances, Centrelink offers a variety of financial support for refugees. To see what you are entitled to, visit your local Centrelink centre to find out more information. Refer to your Area Guide to see the closest Centrelink office.

Centrelink will need your passport or any forms of identification you have as well as your bank account details.

$


Medicare

Medicare is a Government healthcare program designed to help you pay for healthcare.

Medicare means that the price for visiting a doctor will cost you less or may even be free. Medicare will also cover the fees when you visit a public hospital as a public patient.

Setting up Medicare

Visit a Medicare centre close to you. Refer to your Area Guide to find your closest centre.

You will need to bring your passport or any identification you have and your bank account details to set up Medicare.

You will given a form to fill out with information about yourself and your family.If you have any questions, you can talk to the people at Medicare or call an intrepretor on this number:

131 450

1

2

3


After a few weeks, a card will be sent in the mail to you. It will look similar to the card shown below.

This card can be used in these following places:

4

Medicare Number

List of names

Expiry Date

5

Public Hospital Doctor appointments

For Medicine


Driver’s License

A driver’s license is a common form of identification in Australia, which gives you the ability to drive a car on Australian roads.

To gain a driver’s license you need to pass a knowledge test, a practical driving test and an eyesight test. You cannot drive in Australia without a valid driver’s license. You can obtain a driver’s license by visiting VicRoads in Victoria. Refer to your Area Guide to find your closest centre.

There are three steps you have to pass before you can receive a full licence. Before getting your licence you have to pass an eye test and a knowledge test on Australian road rules.

A learner’s licence is the first step towards getting your licence. Depending on your age, you will have to stay on your license for a certain amount of time and finish a number of driving hours before you can move to the next step. You can only drive on the roads if there is a fully licensed driver present and must always display an L plate on your car.

The first level of Ps last for 12 months, where you have to display a red p plate on your car. You are able to drive by yourself but there are restrictions. You will be given more information about this restrictions when you get your license. You have to pass a hazards test to reach the next level of Ps.


After you have completed all these steps without any complications, your license will automatically be changed to a full licence. You will recieve a card similar to the one shown below.

The second level of Ps last for three years, where you have to display a green p plate on your car. This is the last step before getting your full license.


Proof of Age Card

If you would like another form of identification, you can obtain a proof of age card from VicRoads.

You will need to bring your address and any forms of identification you have as such as your passport or any travel documents. You will also need to pay $10 for the card.

You will recieve a card similar to the one shown below.

a document guide for australia

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