Pre-decision & Information Guide for Nurses and Midwives Migrating to Australia

As a key beneficiary of migration the NSWNMA believes that Australia has an obligation to its neighbouring and regional countries to try and ensure that nurses and midwives wishing to migrate to this country do so with as much information as possible.

There are many points to consider prior to migrating to another country. Included in these considerations are ethical, political, economic and personal issues.

It must be recognised that as an industrialised and wealthy nation, Australia benefits as a destination country of skilled workers. Skills shortages within the Australian economy are quickly and cheaply met through migration, as the cost of education and training is borne by the country of origin. Increasingly, this is seeing less wealthy countries not only carry the cost, but also experience the loss of quality, and much needed, skills and knowledge for their own health care system.

It must also be recognised however that women migrant workers send home half of the world’s remittances that flow to developing countries, providing much needed money for families and communities.

A key piece of knowledge to have is that in Australia the right to belong to a trade union is recognised and accepted as a common and safe practice.

Throughout Australia, and particularly within the Public Health Care System, the vast majority (over 85%) of nurses and midwives belong to a union. Belonging to a union can help to ensure that you know your rights and that your rights are acknowledged and protected.

It is an unfortunate reality that within the Australian community there are people who will take advantage of, and exploit, migrant workers. As a migrant worker you may not automatically be entitled to the same rights, such as free health care and free education, as Australian nationals. The decision to migrate therefore is weighted by many considerations. This kit provides some of the basic information, or links to information, that we hope will assist nurses and midwives to make their decision.

Here are the different topics covered in this guide:

1. What is Australia?
2. The benefits of working in Australia
3. The Challenges of working in Australia
4. Nursing and Midwifery in Australia
5. Immigration Issues
6. Employment Laws in Australia
7. Banking and Finance
8. Cost of Living Advice
9. Useful Services 
10. Language and Common Sayings (Slang)
11. Communications and Internet Services
12. Other useful resources