Working in Brisbane

Brisbane may be a small city in Australia, but it has a big job market that continues to attract expats from around the world. Both locals from around the country and foreigners are attracted to Brisbane for its warm environment and job opportunities.

General Outlook 

There are various fields in which Brisbane has had to fill in skills shortages for a wide range of occupations. To respond to this growing need, many skilled visas have been issued to expats who are looking to relocate to Brisbane and other parts of Queensland. Top industries teeming with job opportunities in the city include the manufacturing industry, retail trade along with healthcare and social assistance industries. 

Work permit 

The topic of work and visa issuance to Brisbane expat hopefuls is broad and will depend on specific immigration conditions pertaining to the circumstances of the applicant. The different types of visas/permits may fall under different categories, with the availability of working visas including the temporarywork (Skilled) Visas (457), the skilled Independent Visa (189) and the skilled Nominated Visa (190) or the skilled: Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (489). For expats who are planning to open a business in Brisbane, the required visas include the options of the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (188) and the Business Talent Permanent Visa (132).

“My employer provided everything for me. Didn’t spend anything for my working visa nor the international health insurance.”- Aurora V. Denaga, Expat in Brisbane, Australia

However, general requirements apply such as an age limit of forty-five years, along with vocational level, English language skills and a score of at least a hundred and ten points in the DIMA test. The candidate's skills must also be recognized by the Australian Assessing Authority or the AAA and must match the requirements of one's occupation while certificates should be from recognized educational institutions. Only those who have completed at least three years of secondary school study, except for IT professionals and trades people are eligible to work.  

Business etiquette 

Brisbane is a city that thrives on its casual attitude and joviality. Its residents are friendly and welcoming, the main reason why many foreign expatriates are finding it easy to feel at home. One is expected to be formal during situations such as a job interview when an applicant is expected to be composed, relaxed, and conscious about the interviewer's correct job title and pronunciation of the interviewer's name. Brisbane employers also have a preference for simple and sophisticated office attire, usually in hues such as navy, charcoal gray and black. Excessive jewelry for women and bright colors for men are discouraged. It is expected that as one is in the office, he sits or stands straight and refrains from chewing gum or smoking right before entering the office. The curriculum vitae is always to be handed to the prospective employer in a folder. 

Working hours 

Working in Brisbane requires a different numbers of hours per day or week depending on the kind of job or position, the industry as well as employer requirements. In 1981, the standard for every worker in Australia was 38 hours a week but this number has since been reduced to 37. Manufacturing industries, however, tend to work longer, sometimes by up to 15 hours in excess per week. A typical workday for hard laborers usually begins at 7 or 8am and ends at 3:30-4:30pm while office and store workers begin at 8:30 - 9:30 am and end at about 4:30-5:30pm.

Wages 

In Brisbane, the average salary earned is about AU$6977, with the median hourly rate received by workers is 20.80 AUD where regular store clerks and waiters/waitresses make almost the same, 14.29 AUD per hour on the lower bracket, while registered nurses make the most at 27.33 AUD per hour. IT professionals are some of the highest paid in Brisbane and in other key cities in Australia. A junior program developer can earn anywhere from 45,000 - 75,000 AUD per year while a solutions architect can make from 70,000 - 130,000 AUD annually. Brisbane's employments prospects are getting more promising than ever. With an employment rate of 75%, it’s easy to see why many expatriates flock to the city's shores in pursuit of a comfortable and rewarding life.