Australia Explained
368 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago -Everything you need to know when settling into life in Australia. Hear helpful information about health, housing, jobs, visas and citizenship, Australian laws and more.
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Episodes
Preventing family violence in migrant communities
November 22, 2017 04:44 - 6 minutes - 2.96 MBOne in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Family violence can affect anybody, but migrant women face additional barriers when they need to get help.
Immunisation rates continue to rise
November 16, 2017 03:02 - 6 minutes - 3.05 MBSince the Government linked immunisation to family payments, Australia’s immunisation rate continues to rise. However, vaccination rates and policies still vary across States and Territories. Experts are calling for a National Immunisation Strategy.
Immunisation rates continue to rise
November 16, 2017 02:47 - 6 minutesSince the Government linked immunisation to family payments, Australia’s immunisation rate continues to rise. However, vaccination rates and policies still vary across States and Territories. Experts are calling for a National Immunisation Strategy.
Vaccination rules in Australia
November 15, 2017 06:54 - 8 minutes - 4.07 MBHealth authorities aim to reach herd (or community) immunity, when enough people are immunised from a disease that an infection cannot spread. However, Australia's immunisation coverage is below herd immunity levels. Now the Australian Government is offering incentive payments to health providers to boost coverage rates.
The benefits of an online health record
November 08, 2017 22:49 - 6 minutes - 2.99 MBNavigating the Australian health system, understanding what the doctors say and remembering all the information they give you can be confusing, even if you grew up in Australia. And if you're new to the country it's even harder. But there’s an online tool called My Health Record that can make your life much easier.
Paying for university in Australia
November 01, 2017 06:07 - 6 minutes - 2.96 MBAustralia is one of the most expensive countries in the world when it comes to higher education. It's no surprise that 90 per cent of its eligible students take up a loan to pay for university. There are different types of loans, as well as scholarships, to assist students with their fees.
Freedom of religion and secularism in Australia
October 25, 2017 06:16 - 7 minutes - 3.33 MBAustralia has been a secular country since federation. The Constitution of 1901 prohibits the Commonwealth government from interfering with the free exercise of any religion. But how far can freedom of religion go in a country where Christians have been the majority since European settlement, whilst 30 per cent of the population has no religious belief?
Migrant workers have the same rights as Australians
October 18, 2017 06:47 - 6 minutes - 2.92 MBAs an employee, you have clear rights when it comes to pay, conditions and safety. And theres easy ways to report it, if those rights are not respected.
Migrant workers' workplace rights in Australia
October 18, 2017 04:58 - 6 minutes - 2.92 MBMigrant workers in Australia have the same rights as Australians when it comes to wages, conditions and safety. And there are easy ways to report if those rights are not respected.
Strategies you can employ to get a job interview in Australia
October 11, 2017 01:44 - 6 minutes - 2.88 MBNewly arrived migrants are more likely to be jobless than Australian-born workers. Career coaches say the biggest hurdle many newcomers face is their inability to secure an interview despite their qualifications. So, what are the strategies job seekers can employ to get a job interview?
Migrant communities are less likely to access mental health services
October 10, 2017 05:05 - 6 minutes - 12.1 MBAlmost four million Australians are being diagnosed with mental illness each year. But, there are still multiple barriers stopping people from multicultural backgrounds from seeking mental health help.
Avoid falling victim to online fraudsters
October 04, 2017 02:53 - 6 minutes - 2.98 MBWe work, shop, play and interact with family and friends online. But more Australians are falling victim to online scams than ever before. The Australian Governments Stay Smart Online week reminds consumers of how we can stay safe on the net.
How to access mental health services in Australia
September 27, 2017 03:32 - 9 minutes - 17.7 MBMental illness is the third highest cause of burden of disease in Australia after cancer and cardiovascular disease. Yet, some migrant communities only use mental health services at a very low rate. Limited knowledge about the available services, cultural stigma and language barriers often turn them away from seeking help.
Having a say in Australia is part of the democratic process
September 20, 2017 06:25 - 6 minutes - 3.1 MBAll Australians have the right to participate as active citizens in shaping the society we live in. However, due to past traumatic experiences some new migrants maybe fearful of speaking up in public and do not know how our democratic processes work.
Having a say in Australia is part of the democratic process
September 20, 2017 06:08 - 6 minutes - 2.86 MBAll Australians have the right to participate as active citizens in shaping the society we live in. However, due to past traumatic experiences some new migrants maybe fearful of speaking up in public and do not know how our democratic processes work.
Did you know you can access interpreter services for free?
September 13, 2017 06:12 - 6 minutes - 3.05 MBQualified translators and interpreters can be a big help when youre new to Australia. They can do a range of things from translating official documents to accompany you to a doctor appointment to make sure you understand what's going on, in your language.
Everything you need to know about doing your taxes in Australia
September 06, 2017 06:30 - 7 minutes - 3.52 MBTax time is when Australians complete their tax returns after the end of the financial year on 1 July. Its the time to check if the correct amount of tax has been paid and if any deductions can be claimed. It can also mean money back in your pocket in a tax refund.
Why you should take precautions with prescription medication
August 23, 2017 02:42 - 6 minutes - 2.89 MBYou might be surprised that the majority of overdoses in Australia are from prescription medications, not illegal drugs. The misuse of prescribed drugs is a serious health issue.
Your right to work safety
August 16, 2017 05:39 - 8 minutes - 3.79 MBThe law requires all employers to create a safe working environment to minimise injury and illness in the workplace. However Australian Bureau of Statistics show that during 2013 to 2014, over half a million people suffered a work-related injury or illness. Some occupations are more dangerous than others but culturally and linguistically diverse workers are a high risk group.
Rising homelessness in Australia
August 09, 2017 01:09 - 7 minutes - 3.42 MBHousing, financial difficulties and domestic violence are the top three causes of homelessness, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. SBS takes you to an inner-city park in Brisbane to explore what it means to be homeless.
Why you shouldn't avoid conversation about death
August 02, 2017 01:24 - 7 minutes - 3.33 MBTalking about death makes many of us uncomfortable. But by avoiding the subject, it might just make things worse when the time comes. Talking with your loved ones about your Will, Advance Care Directive and other wishes is important for you and for them.
Becoming an organ donor in Australia
July 26, 2017 05:00 - 6 minutes - 2.91 MBDid you know that by donating your organs and tissues when you die, you could save or improve the life of at least ten people? With thousands of Australians being on transplant waiting lists or dialysis, it's important that more people become donors.
Fostering a child in Australia
July 19, 2017 04:52 - 7 minutes - 3.37 MBTheres a growing need for families to give foster children loving and safe homes. Welcoming a child from your cultural or linguistic community into your home also brings many benefits. And carers from culturally diverse backgrounds are also in high demand. So, how to become a foster carer?
Starting your own business in Australia
July 11, 2017 22:35 - 5 minutes - 2.5 MBMany Australians would love to be their own boss. But running a small business takes hard work. So, how do you to start and what does it take to be successful when times get tough?
Do you know what to do at an auction?
July 05, 2017 04:43 - 6 minutes - 2.78 MBHearing an auctioneers call of Going one, going twice, sold! is common to many property buyers in Australia. Buying at auction is one of the most popular ways to buy a house, but there are many traps for those who do not know the rules and may end up making a costly mistake.
How to access family tax benefits in Australia
June 21, 2017 04:22 - 5 minutes - 2.59 MBCost of living pressures are a concern for many Australian families. The federal government offers different types of payments to help families, including the family tax benefit. Do you know if you're eligible, how you could access it and what changes are coming from 1 July?
Access to mental health services is vital for refugees
June 14, 2017 04:06 - 6 minutes - 3.17 MBEvery year, thousands of refugees and asylum seekers arrive in Australia. They are often fleeing war, persecution and torture. Making sure they can access healthcare, including mental health services, is an important part of their settlement. But the Australian healthcare system can bring new challenges for them.
Elder abuse in the family
June 07, 2017 01:16 - 6 minutes - 2.99 MBWe might not hear about elder abuse very often but the government believes up to ten per cent of older Australians suffer abuse every year. And it's often difficult for older migrants, who face additional barriers when it comes to reporting the abuse. There are ways to get help.
Building bridges between police and communities
May 31, 2017 00:52 - 6 minutes - 2.85 MBWhether its reporting suspicious activity, or being random breath tested, many of us will meet police in our day to day lives. However, for some new arrivals it can be a fearful experience, reminding them of corruption or injustice in their homelands. A new initiative called Coffee with a Cop is trying to overcome old resentments towards police.
How to get contents insurance
May 24, 2017 03:50 - 6 minutes - 3.17 MBFire, floods or burglary at your home could see you lose everything. This is why home and contents insurance exists. So, how do you find the best policy for your needs?
Growing anxiety about housing affordability
May 16, 2017 22:50 - 7 minutes - 3.34 MBPublic anxiety about housing affordability is at an all-time high. Can the federal budget help those on low incomes, refugees and recent arrivals who are on public housing waiting lists?
What to do when you get a fine and how to fight it
May 10, 2017 03:22 - 6 minutes - 2.92 MBBeing new to Australia often means adapting to a new language but also to new laws and possible fines. It can be difficult to understand why you get fines, how to pay them or how to dispute them. Theres support for those who need it to dispute fines and understand the legal system better.
Did you know you can access national parks in Australia?
May 03, 2017 03:13 - 5 minutes - 2.67 MBAustralia has over five hundred national parks spreading across deserts, forests, mountains and water. While their main purpose is to protect the native flora, fauna and culture, they also exist for Australians and visitors to enjoy.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia
April 26, 2017 00:11 - 6 minutes - 2.88 MBOn average, one Australian dies every 12 minutes as a result of a cardio vascular disease. When it comes to heart attacks, one Australian dies almost every hour. Do you know how to recognise the signs of a heart attack and what to do if it happens?
The cultural diversity of Australia’s Anzacs
April 19, 2017 00:05 - 9 minutes - 4.29 MBAnzac Day has become a symbol of Australias national identity. Anzacs means the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and included many Indigenous and multicultural servicemen and women.
Helping your child settle into school in Australia
April 11, 2017 23:57 - 7 minutes - 3.34 MBStarting school is a crucial step for children and families in settling in Australia. Children of migrant families often experience additional barriers in connecting to their new school community. Parents play a vital role in their kid's education and experts encourage them to be actively involved in their childs school.
Preventing sexually transmitted infections
April 05, 2017 05:30 - 8 minutes - 3.85 MBNo one is immune from sexually transmitted infections and yet, for many migrant communities in Australia, discussing sexual health and safety is still sometimes considered taboo. Looking after your sexual health is as important as any other aspect of your health. From the SBS Settlement Guide, here are some tips for staying safe.
How to job search
March 28, 2017 23:36 - 7 minutes - 3.44 MBA lack of Australian experience and cross-cultural misunderstandings can provide additional barriers. Using "Jobactive", the Australian Government's initiative connecting job seekers with employers, is one way of finding employment.
Legal Aid in Australia explained
March 22, 2017 02:54 - 6 minutes - 3.04 MBAll Australians are equal before the law but not everybody can afford to pay for the legal services required to obtain justice. In order to close this gap, there are eight legal aid commissions in Australia, one in each state and territory. The purpose of legal aid commissions is to provide vulnerable, disadvantaged and newly arrived Australians with access to justice.
Helping migrants access dental care
March 14, 2017 23:35 - 5 minutes - 2.64 MBOral health is about much more than just having a pretty smile. The health of your mouth often reflects and can have an impact on the state of the rest of your body. Dental care is expensive in Australia, but there are ways to bring down the costs.
Tenants’ rights in Australia explained
March 07, 2017 23:13 - 7 minutes - 3.23 MBWhen renting a property, tenants have key rights and responsibilities. However a new survey says many renters experience anxiety and discrimination, with new migrants particularly vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation in the housing market.
Unemployment support in Australia explained
March 01, 2017 02:47 - 6 minutes - 2.77 MBThe Australian unemployment rate continues at 5.7 per cent for the ninth consecutive month, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics February 2017 data. There is support available for those who are looking for work.
Do you know you can access child care in Australia?
February 22, 2017 02:01 - 7 minutes - 3.54 MBAs more women join the workforce the demand for suitable and affordable child care grows. The cost varies and its often difficult to navigate the system. So, how do you know what services are available and whether your family is eligible to access government subsidy?
Aged care choices in Australia explained
February 15, 2017 01:36 - 8 minutes - 3.96 MBAustralians are getting older and the need for good quality aged care is a growing concern. Many don't know about the services and how they can access them.
Public housing in Australia explained.
February 08, 2017 01:19 - 8 minutes - 4.02 MBFor new Australians, securing accommodation is an integral part of the settlement process. Community groups across the country work alongside governments to help those most in need develop sustainable and effective solutions. But one of these solutions, public housing, is now harder to find.
How to see a doctor in Australia?
February 01, 2017 01:06 - 7 minutes - 3.64 MBWhen we are sick the first point of contact is often the family doctor. Family doctors are commonly referred to as general practitioners or GPs in Australia. All Australian citizens, permanent residents and certain visa holders can access Medicare, which provides free or subsidised treatment by doctors and specialists.
What are your consumer rights in Australia?
January 25, 2017 00:42 - 6 minutes - 3.12 MBIn Australia consumers have rights under the law called consumer guarantees - and they could save you money. However, people whove recently settled in Australia can be extra vulnerable to questionable deals and businesses.
What's Australia Day?
January 18, 2017 04:37 - 8 minutes - 3.82 MBAustralias national day has its roots in the countrys colonial past. Many Indigenous Australians regard it as Invasion or Survival Day. How has the meaning of Australia Day changed over time?
How to drive in Australia with an overseas licence
December 07, 2016 04:54 - 6 minutes - 2.88 MBBeing able to drive in a car is a necessity for many new arrivals to Australia. Yet, knowing if you need an Australian drivers licence and how to get one can change from state to state.
What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme?
November 30, 2016 03:17 - 9 minutes - 4.51 MBIt's hailed as the biggest health policy since Medicare. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aims to provide the nearly half a million Australians who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life.