From: axolotl@socs.uts.edu.au (Iain Sinclair)
Subject: soc.culture.australian FAQ (final draft)
Reply-To: axolotl@socs.uts.edu.au
Organization: University of Technology, Sydney
Date:  6 Nov 92 08:17:33 GMT


I need some feedback on this before it hits news.answers.  Last time,
there were a few things I missed.  Should this be posted fortnightly,
or monthly?
==

Contents:

1. About soc.culture.australian
2. How to find Australians
  2.1 on the net
  2.2 elsewhere
3. Studying in Australia
  3.1 Postgraduate Study
  3.2 Miscellaneous Questions
4. Coming to Australia
  4.1 Immigration Addresses
  4.2 Immigration Criteria
  4.3 Quarantine
  4.4 Standards
  4.5 Prices
5. Miscellaneous Information
  5.1- Radio Australia
  5.2- Nixpub sites
  5.3- Finding Australian things overseas
  5.4- Academic addresses
  5.5- Waltzing Matilda
  5.6- Periodicals
6. Contributors



1. ABOUT SOC.CULTURE.AUSTRALIAN

  The soc.culture.australian newsgroup was established in November 1990,
thanks largely to Ann Nicholson's persistent efforts.  It is devoted to
the discussion of all aspects of Australian culture.  Brad Alexander
(brad@winnie.cs.adelaide.edu.au) posts a weekly "oznews" current
affairs digest.
  There are many other related newsgroups.  If your article is more
appropriate for another newsgroup, please post it there first -- you'll get
the audience you're looking for.

news.answers			general netiquette stuff -- read before posting
rec.travel			what to see, when to go, how much, etc.
soc.net-people			\ where to find Australians on the net
aus.wanted			/
misc.jobs.resumes		\ job-hunting
aus.jobs			/
talk.politics.guns		all traffic about gun-related issues
rec.sport.football.australian   \
rec.sport.cricket*		| sport results, chest-beating, etc.
aus.sport			/
aus.culture.ultimo		Australian inner-city life, culture, etc.
soc.culture.new-zealand		New Zealand life, culture, etc.
aus.politics
aus.music
aus.tv
aus.films

If you're unable to post to or read the aus hierarchy, talk to your system
administrator about getting a feed.



2. HOW TO FIND AUSTRALIANS

2.1 Addresses on the Net
  For organizations, it's best to use nslookup (read the manual pages first).
Example session:
    % nslookup
    > server aarnet.edu.au
    > ls edu.au
    [...]
There's also the information posted in comp.mail.maps occasionally -- most
of it is dated, but some of it might be helpful.

  For people, mail to mail-server@pit-manager.mit.edu with
"send usenet-addresses/[name]" in the body of the message.  If [name] has
posted to Usenet in the last few months, the mail server will send back a
list of matches.  Otherwise, try:
    telnet bruno.cs.colorado.edu, login as netfind.
    telnet NIC.DDN.MIL, login as whois.
       (Not very useful -- user has to explicitly register with the server.)


2.2 Other Addresses
  Most reasonable libraries should stock the "College Collection on
Microfiche", which contains copies of faculty handbooks/catalogs from
Australian Universities and Colleges of Advanced Education.  Large
libraries should also have copies of recent Australian telephone books.
  If you need to get in touch with someone pretty urgently, try
sending a dramatic fax to 'Tonight Live' (a poor 'Letterman' clone,
+61 3 690 8749).



3. STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

3.1 Postgraduate Study
  Graduate programs in Australia follow the British and European model more
closely than the American model. What does this mean? Well, for Americans
it usually means they're under-prepared (at least in the arts, sciences and
humanities, maybe not in engineering). I can't address the situation in the
arts and humanities, but I imagine that in most science fields these people
would be required to undertake a masters preliminary year before being
formally admitted to a graduate course.
  The typical American model is that a person is admitted to a program
in a department and spends the first year or two taking classes, they
may not choose a particular supervisor until they're in the second
year of their graduate program. This is why so many of the queries ask
"What's a good department?" I don't know how universal my experience
was (I did a MSc in biochemistry) but my experience was that people
admitted into MSc or PhD programs were admitted to work with a
specific supervisor, i.e. the decision to take on a particular person
as a grad student rested with the specific supervisor that the student
wanted to work with.
  Another thing which is different between graduate programs in the two
countries is the way students are supported. In the US most graduate
student support is channeled through the universities. In Australia,
there are a few federally funded fellowships that are similar to the
old CPRA's, but only a VERY few!
  Most of the students in the sciences get their stipends from their
supervisor's research grants, or from federal training grants administered
by the institutions. Alternatively they may serve as teaching assistants
(the main source of funds for humanities grad students). I get the
impression that there are HUGE numbers of people getting masters degrees
in the humanities here who would get honours degrees in Australia
(This university has 400 MA students in the English department and only
slightly fewer in French and in Government and Foreign Affairs!). For what
these people are seeking an Australian MA may not be an appropriate program.
  Anyhow, what this is all leading up to is that the "What's a good
department question?" is the wrong question! People need to know that
if they want to do Postgrad work in Australia they should first
identify a good SUPERVISOR. That really means finding people whose
publications are of interest, which is done by checking through
the libraries for journal articles of interest (like I'm doing to find
post-docs) or, if they are extraordinarily lucky finding and checking
through copies of the various universities "Research reports".
  As I mentioned in an earlier posts most Americans who are really
interested should be able to find copies of Australian University
handbooks by finding a university library that has a copy of the
"College catalog collection on microfiche" This covers predominantly
American colleges but also includes universities in Britain , Canada
and Australia. A similar resource is available in Australia for
Australians wishing to try studies overseas - ask a university
reference librarian.
  Ultimate conclusion: don't recommend any departments - people are
accepted by supervisors NOT departments!  [CP]


3.2 Miscellaneous Questions
 -  Can I assume that a degree from a UC, IT or CAE carries just
  as much weight as a degree from a University?

To be frank, no, but the difference is a lot less than it is between various
universities in the US. The main quality difference is in the undergraduate
degrees; an EE degree from Monash is very theoretical, whereas one from RMIT
is more practical. This is not to say one is "better"; some employers prefer
one approach, others the other.

  A PhD from anywhere in Australia is equally-regarded.  (BTW, most ITs
and CAEs have now been merged with or converted into universities.)

 -  Is there an accrediting agency for MBA programmes (in the U.S., business
  schools are accredited by a nation-wide body called AASCB). Should I even
  be looking for a parallel?

No. Each state accredits the universities and degrees, then the Federal Govt
(which funds them) keeps an eye on things. Australia really does not suffer from
the shonky mailing_box_university problem that exists in the US.

 -  Is there higher prestige attached to certain Aussie MBA programmes?
  (If this concept has no place in Aussie culture, I apologise. I have only
  experienced the U.S. educational system. I, therefore, constantly try to
  find a parallel. Here in the U.S., degrees from certain schools are
  very highly regarded ... like Stanford, Harvard, Univ. Chicago ...)

Same here. The two highest-rated in Australia are the Australian Graduate
School of Management at the University of NSW, and the University of Melbourne
Graduate School of Management. The others are of varying quality, but all
quite good by world standards.



4. COMING TO AUSTRALIA

4.1 Immigration Addresses

Department of Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs
Chan St
Belconnen 2617
Australia

Chicago Consulate   312 645 9440
New York Consulate  212 245 4000
Aust Embassy Wash.  202 797 3222    1601 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington
                    202 797 3000     DC, 20036
Aust Tourist Comm.  1-800 445 4400  489 5th Avenue, New York NY 10017
  
(Southern England, Southern Wales, Channel Islands)
Migration Branch,
Australian High Commission
Australia House
Strand, London WC2B 4LU

(Central England, Northern Wales, Isle of Man)
Australian Consulate
Chatsworth House
Lever St
Manchester M1 2DL

(Scotland, Northern Ireland, Northern England)
Australian Consulate
Hobart House
80 Hanover St
Edinburgh EH2 2DL

Republic of Ireland:
Australian Embassy
Fitzwilton House
Wilton Terrace
Dublin 2


4.2 Immigration Criteria
  Family (almost automatic):
  - spouse
  - de-facto spouse
  - immediate family
  Skill:
  - you have a job that was advertised extensively in australia
    without success
  - you pass the points test, and they feel like letting you in
  - "distinguished talent" ie., bloody good at sport
  Special eligibility:
  - former citizen
  - former resident
  - relative of a New Zealander living in Australia

  To get the relevant forms, write to an Australian consulate and they will
send you some info asking you to send them some money (about $5) for the
forms.  When you get these forms you send about half a ream of photocopies
back with the "application processing fee" of $250 (this fee is regardless
of which class you are applying under !!).  If they decide that they like
you, you need to get various medicals done (which in England cost about
#100) with a nominated (probably private) practice - if you happen to be
a medical doctor, mention this when making your appointment and they don't
charge you (as my wife found out :-).  This medical includes an AIDS test
(Note: this can stuff up your life insurance in the UK) as well as X-rays
for TB, checks for a bad heart and anything else that will cost Australia
lots of money.
  The whole application process takes a minimum of 3 months (once you have
sent them the forms).  All correspondence must be by mail.
  With the points test, if you are <30, have a degree or trade (plus some
experience) and can speak English you pass.  As a friend of mine found,
being employed on a graduate program doesn't count as experience.  He
was also told "even if you had the experience we don't need any professional
buyers at the moment".  That is, passing the points test only eliminates
a reason for not letting you in.  Some occupations get prefferential 
treatment, at the MOMENT these are physiotherapists, secondary school
teachers of either Japanese or Maths, and therapeutic radiographers (all
with appropriate degrees/diplomas of course).  These change with the times
- maths teachers will probably be removed soon.
  If you have a criminal record there's probably not much point applying.
  Should you get past all this, you get a visa stamped in your passport that is
both for migration in the next year and multiple-entry for the next 4 years.
They also send you lots of stuff telling you that there is little chance
of getting a job at the moment.


4.3 Quarantine
  Quarantine regulations are extremely strict.  Food, furs, and any
other animal or wood products may have to be quarantined.  Pets will
have to be quarantined for several months in both countries, an
expensive procedure.


4.4 Standards
  The national language of Australia is English.
  Our TV/video system is PAL.  Multisystem videos (view NTSC on a PAL TV)
cost around $700.  Standards converters (output a recordable signal
NTSC from PAL, or vice versa) cost much more.
  Exchange rate is roughly $1 = 75 US cents/50 pence.  
(Most newspapers should have more reliable information.)
  The metric system is used.
  

4.5 Prices
  These are averages, and there are significant variations.
  1 liter of Milk                              $1
  1 loaf of bread                              $1.25
  1 kilo of Ground Beef                        $5
  1 pair of Levis' 501s                       $70
  1 one trip intercity bus ticket              $1.50
  1 monthly bus pass                          $60
  the daily paper                              $0.60
  the cheapest brand new Toyota Corolla    $17000
  1 five year old smaller Japanese car
    with 80000 KM on it                     $7000
  1 museum pass                                $6
  one months rent on a 2 bedroom apartment  $1000


4.6 Cars
  Anyone can import a vehicle, but all privately imported vehicles attract
the same rate of Duty and Sales Tax as commercially imported vehicles.
If not valued before importing, the Customs value will be normally assessed
on the purchase price. There are additions and deductions available for
this method.  If owned and used overseas then depreciation is allowed on the
purchase price. Alternatively, the likely local value of the vehicle can
be used.  There is also a limit of one car per person per year. (Note that
these conditions only apply federally, there are state variations).

Combined Duty and Sales Tax rates:
  Vehicles under 30 yrs old, new or used
Customs Value           Sales Tax & Duty
$1 - 19583              60%
$19584+                 84%
  As above, but older than 30yrs
$1 - 26437              18%
$26438+                 36%
  Off road 4wd passenger vehicles
$1 - 22989              44%
$22990+                 58%
Motorcycles             24%

The Motor Vehicle Standards Act, 1989 makes it illegal to import a vehicle
unless:
  i) it meets the safety and emissions standards applying to
     vehicles to be used on Australian roads
  ii) arrangements are in place to modify the vehicle to meet
     these requirements after its arrival.

Approval will be given to import a vehicle if :
  i) It has a valid compliance plate fitted; or
  ii) arrangements are in place for it to be modified to have
     a compliance plate fitted; or
  iii) you have a letter of compliance from the manufacturer; or
  iv) you have owned and used the vehicle overseas for a
     continuous period of not less than 3 months, you are of
     driving age and are an Australian citizen or migrant
     holding permanent residency; or
  v) the vehicle was manufactured before 1 Jan, 1974 for cars
     or 1 Jul 1975 for motorbikes.
If it brought in under points iii-v, it will get a personal import plate,
rather than a compliance plate. This is sufficient to allow it to be sold.



5. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

5.1 Radio Australia
  Radio Australia
  PO Box 755 Glen Waverley
  Victoria 3150
  Australia
   
Frequencies-
  21740 - 0100 to 0400 GMT
  17795 - 0100 to 0400  "
  15240 - 0300 to 0500  "
  13605 - 1600 to 1800  "
   9580 - 0830 to 1500  "


5.2 Public Access sites
  These are all dialup sites; most should offer news and mail for some
fee (UNIX, unless stated otherwise).  APANA (the Australian Public Access
Network Association) covers some of these.  For more info on other sites
in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane, potential users can mail
info@apana.org.au.

Melb:  Cloud 		postmaster@cloud.apana.org.au [msdos]
Melb:  Werple	  	postmaster@werple.apana.org.au		003 888 1726
Syd:   Krazilec 	postmaster@kralizec.zeta.org.au		002 837 1397
-      Pegasus		postmaster@peg.pegasus.oz.au 		066 85 6789


5.3 Finding Australian things overseas
  NYC:  Australian newspapers, on 42nd St between 7th and 8th Avs., south side
  UCSD: Melbourne Age (4-6 weeks late), International Relations & Pacific
    Studies Library
  Palo Alto: Australian newspapers, Mac's Newsagent or Printers Inc.


5.4 Academic Addresses
  "The Directory" (6 months=$90 airmail, fortnightly) advertises
many academic jobs.
    Barry Thornton and Associates Pty. Ltd.
    PO Box 217
    Black Rock, VIC 3193
    Australia

"The Australian Directory of Academics" ($130 airmail) is comprehensive.
    Universal Consultancy Services,
    PO Box 1140
    Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450
    Australia

Department of Employment, Education and Training
  GPO Box 9880
  Canberra, ACT 2601
  Australia

"The Independent Monthly Good Universities Guide to Australian Universities
and Other Higher Education Institutions", by Dean Ashenden and Sandra
Milligan, 1991.
    Octopus Australia
    PO Box 460
    Port Melbourne, VIC 3207
    Australia
    +61 3 646 6688


5.4  Waltzing Matilda
  The section we had to have.  (C) A.B. "Banjo" Patterson (reproduced here
w/o permission).
 
    Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong,
    Under the shade of a coolibah tree,
    And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled,
    "You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me."

    Chorus:
      "Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda,
      You'll come a-waltzing Matilda  with me;
      And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled,
      You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me."

      (Substitute third line of verse in each chorus.)

    Down came a jumbuck to drink at that billabong,
    Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee;
    And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tuckerbag,
    "You'll come a waltzing Matilda with me."

    Up rode the squatter, mounted on his thoroughbred,
    Down came the troopers -- one, two, three;
    "Whose that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tuckerbag?"
    You'll come a waltzing Matilda with me.

    Up jumped the swagman and sprang into the billabong,
    "You'll never catch me alive", said he;
    And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong,
    You'll come a waltzing Matilda with me.

There is also a "Queensland version" of the song (cornier).

  
5.5 Periodicals
  "The Australian" is a national (ex-Murdoch) daily which advertises
computing jobs in its Tuesday edition, and other jobs in the Wed. and
Saturday editions.  Available from most Australian consulates.
    The Australian
    2 Holt Street
    Surry Hills, 2010
    +61 2 288 3000
    
"Australian Society" ($40+$40 airmail/$18 surface, monthly)-
     Australian Society
     PO Box 274
     Fitzroy, VIC 3065
     Australia

Info on Australian contacts, organisations, news, arts, sport, etc. -  
    The Australian Expatriate
    3809 Plaza Dr, Ste 107-307
    Oceanside, CA 92056
    USA


6. Contributors
  The following people (listed in no particular order) have made substantial
contributions to this FAQ.  If you have any corrections, suggestions,
additions, subtractions, etc., please mail them to Iain Sinclair
(axolotl@socs.uts.edu.au).

Chris Penington (cjp8b@dayhoff.med.Virginia.EDU)
Hugh Garsden (hughg@ee.su.OZ.AU)
Rex Mammel (rexm@csn.org)
Brian Ross (brian@coombs.anu.edu.au)
Luke Brennan (BRENNAN@COCO.CCHS.SU.OZ.AU)
Rhys Weatherley (rhys@cs.uq.oz.au)
George Michaelson (G.Michaelson@cc.uq.oz.au)
king@qut.edu.au
Phil Watson (Phil.Watson@newcastle.ac.uk)
Fred C. Wyse (02h@oasys.dt.navy.mil)
Jim Breen (jwb@capek.rdt.monash.edu.au)
Tim Littlejohn (little@ere.umontreal.ca)
Bruch Cockburn (bcockburn@acorn.co.uk)
Thomas Marvan (tmarvan@sdcc3.ucsd.edu)
Ruth Isabella McKai (mckay@leland.Stanford.EDU)
Thomas Cohen (thos@suite.sw.oz.au)
Ronald J. Bartle (snuffy@zelator.in-berlin.de)


--
 Iain Sinclair    axolotl@socs.uts.edu.au
Newsgroups: soc.culture.australian,soc.culture.new-zealand