Frequently Asked Questions

WA Electrical License

A WA Electrical license is required for commencing work onsite. New Zealand qualifications are recognized within the industry; apply online at www.energysafety.wa.gov.au payment by MasterCard or Visa. Your application will be processed within 30 days.

Other enquiries regarding license registration refer to www.docep.wa.gov.au/Energy

Pre-employment Medical

A pre-employment medical is required by employers. You must be able to pass a Mine Worker Health Surveillance (MWHS) test and pass a drug and alcohol screening. Random drug and alcohol tests are carried out on site.

MARCSTA

MARCSTA stands for Mining and Resources Contractors Safety Training Association, and is a general induction program. This ticket which is valid for two years is required for you to work on mine sites in WA. Some mine sites have their own general inductions.

www.marcsta.com

You are expected to wear the required (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment gear on site.

FIFO

FIFO stands for Fly-in Fly-out to remote mine sites of WA. Mine site accommodation and facilities apply in this situation. Work rosters vary, for example ‘two weeks on and one week off’.

Shutdowns

Shutdowns involve the temporary stoppage of plant operations for major maintenance.

Superannuation Fund

It is compulsory for your employer to pay 9% of your gross income into a superannuation fund of your choice. www.australia.gov.au/Superannuation

Tax File Number

A Tax File Number or TFN is a nine digit number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). To receive an income in Australia, you need a TFN. Income includes wages, salary, payments from the government and money earned from investments including interest on savings accounts. It is not compulsory to have a TFN, however if you do not have one you may have more tax withheld than you need to. To apply on line www.ato.gov.au

Medicare Levy

Medicare is the scheme that gives Australian residents access to health care. To help fund the scheme, resident tax payers are subject to a Medicare levy. This is calculated at 1.5% of your taxable income.

Rent

The average rent varies from $300 to $350 per week (2008), for a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house, depending on location. If you are considering relocating your family to Western Australia you need to consider that finding suitable accommodation may take several months. The industrial boom has placed pressure on the rental market. Rental references are required.

Education

School years are from:

Pre-primary to year 7, ages 5 to 12 years
Year 8 to year 12 High school, ages 13 to 17years

Climate

WA has a diverse climate, from the tropical north to the more temperate south. Coastal temperatures vary little throughout the day, while inland may top 40 degrees and drop to zero at night. A warm jacket is required for these conditions should you be employed on a remote mine site. For further information about WA visit www.gowestnow.com

Drivers License

You must obtain a WA driving license within three months. We recommend applying for a WA Drivers’ License immediately for job placement. www.dol.wa.gov/drivers license

Bank Account

An Australian bank account is required for payment of income. A New Zealand bank account will incur transfer fees.