Predeparture Briefing Introduction Predeparture briefing what will be
Pre-departure Briefing Introduction
Pre-departure briefing – what will be covered? • • • Team leader Australian living conditions Immigration, customs and quarantine Australian working conditions Costs, expenses and deductions Travel arrangements and accommodation Expectations Taxation, superannuation, health insurance, workers’ compensation Visa conditions Laws in Australia
Pre-departure briefing is important for all Pacific seasonal workers, as it helps to prepare them for their time in Australia.
Team Leader • • The team leader is very important The team leader should be: – – A responsible person Respected by the group Someone an Approved Employer can communicate with on all matters Able to speak English well
Airfare to Australia • Your employer will pay for 55% of PNG workers’ airfare to Australia and back. – You will need to pay your share (45%) during the time you are in Australia. – Employers will make a deduction from your pay to cover your part of this cost. * You may have to pay for food on the plane
Your Visa Conditions You must comply with your visa conditions. – – You are only allowed to stay in Australia for the period of time stated on your visa. You cannot apply for another visa while in Australia. You may only work for an organisation which holds a special program agreement for seasonal work in Australia (your employer) You must have private health insurance.
Your visa says… • • • Condition 8107 – The visa holder must not cease to be employed by the employer in relation to which the visa was granted. Condition 8501 – The visa holder must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance while in Australia. Condition 8503 ‘No further stay’ – Prevents visa holder from applying for another visa except under exceptional circumstances.
One employer, one industry You are in breach of your visa if: • You change employers without Australian Government approval • Work in any industry other than horticulture – If someone asks you to work as a mechanic, shop attendant, builder… etc you must say no.
If you breach your visa… • • • Your visa could be cancelled If you visa is cancelled you can be detained and removed from Australia If you are removed, you may not be able to return to Australia for up to 3 years
Leaving Australia temporarily • Multiple-entry visa - you can return home at any time at your own expense • Workers need to be aware that any time spent away will reduce overall earnings.
Arriving in Australia • When you arrive in Australia, have the following documents ready for clearance: – passport (visa) – incoming passenger card • Your documents will be returned to you after processing and you can collect your luggage from the baggage hall and proceed to the baggage examination area.
Customs restrictions You may not bring into Australia: – Illegal drugs (Penalties for drug offences in Australia are severe and could result in a jail term) – Counterfeit goods
Declaring Goods • There are penalties for not declaring illegal and restricted items and for making false declarations on your passenger card. Be honest!!!
Quarantine • Dangerous: food, plant material, animal products • Exotic pests and diseases can be hidden • If a dangerous item is not quarantined, it can be devastating to Australia
Declaring Goods – You must tell Customs if you have been in a rural area You must present to Customs: • • • Food Plants Animals biological goods Protected wildlife products * We advise that you do not bring any food with you
Incoming Passenger Card
Transfer by bus • • • You will probably be met at the airport by your Approved Employer or a representative. You may be transported from the airport in Australia by bus to the area where you will be living and working, and back again at the end of your stay. Your employer is able to recoup up to $100 per worker for this cost.
On-arrival Briefing Your employer will give you an on arrival briefing • • Accommodation tour Shopping tour Taxation, superannuation, health insurance, opening a bank account Employment laws, wages and deductions Setting up bank accounts Community welcome, daily living in Australia, health and wellbeing, law and justice Workplace induction and transport arrangements to and from work
Visits from other organisations • During your on arrival briefing you may be visited by – Local community members (police, community leaders, health workers etc) – The Australian Government’s Fair Work Ombudsman (to discuss your employee rights) – The union (to offer you an opportunity to become a union member – this is not compulsory) – Westpac (to provide you with banking information)
Australia’s climate • • Australia can be hot and dry, different from Pacific Northern states are warm all southern states get cool winters • • It can also get very cold Snow falls on the higher mountains in winter
Clothing • You will need to be prepared for a range of temperatures: – Warm and sunny – Very hot – Cold and windy – Rain
Work on the Farm could be… Picking fruit, vegies or nuts Pruning Using equipment
Working hard • • • Make sure you represent your country well Work hard while you are in Australia – this is an opportunity for you, your community and your country If you work well: – – You could earn more money (depending on your pay structure) You may be asked to return Your employer may want more workers from your community, PNG or the Pacific islands The Pilot gains a reputation for having productive workers If you are not productive you could be sent home!
Appropriate clothing • • • Your employer will take you shopping to buy work clothes – Suitable for weather conditions – Suitable for workplace This cost will be deducted from your pay Your employer will also help you to buy non-work clothes.
Personal Protective Equipment • • • While working, it’s important that you wear clothing and equipment to keep you safe and protected. This is a requirement by law. Your employer will help you purchase these and will probably deduct the cost from your pay.
Difference between Employer and Grower • • • It is important that you understand that your employer is the person or company who pays your wages and not necessarily the grower whose farm you work on. The Approved Employer who provided you with a letter of offer and conducts your on arrival briefing is your employer. For some workers, your employer may also be the grower…
Your employer, supervisor, team leader Problem? Talk to… • Team leader • Supervisor • Employer • Pilot information line (Australian Government phone) No-one will get into trouble for asking questions or raising issues! Team leader Supervisor Employer
Deductions from workers’ pay Employers can, with your permission, deduct expenses from your wages: • A percentage of the international airfare cost • Health insurance • Accommodation costs • Initial set-up costs – – Food Pay advance • Transport to and from work • Provision or replacement of personal protective equipment • Chest x-ray and visa fees *All costs are outlined in your letter of offer or requested only with your agreement
Payslips • • Workers will receive payslips which identify what has been deducted. They will all be different but below is an example:
Expenses • You have the potential to earn a lot of money in Australia, but the cost of living can be high also. • Workers will have many costs to pay for while living and working in Australia. • Your employer will be deducting some of these from your pay.
Accommodation • Cost will vary depending on your accommodation. – – – After you arrive and settle in Australia, you may wish to change your accommodation but talk to your employer. - Cheap alternative accommodation may not be as viable as you think! Your employer will select your accommodation The cost will be deducted from you pay. Keep it clean and tidy
Cooking and cleaning • • • You will have access to kitchen and laundry facilities at your accommodation and will need to be able to cook and wash for yourselves. You may want to shop in a group and cook in a group to save money and time Cooking and cleaning is best shared around the group, so work is equal
Put it in the bin! • • There are laws against littering and polluting. – Australia takes pride in it’s unique environment and we all help to keep it clean. Spitting in public places is not acceptable.
Staying tidy in your community • You need to be tidy in your community. – – – Don’t litter – put rubbish in the bin Keep your accommodation area clean and tidy Don’t leave cigarette butts on the ground – they should go into a rubbish bin
Every day transport arrangements • • During your time in Australia, you will need to get to and from work each day. You will also need to get to shops and recreational facilities. – Your employer will provide this transport and may deduct this from your pay.
Food shopping • You will need to shop for food and shopping in Australia can be very different from the Pacific. • Your employer will help you get started –- Buying on sale –EFTPOS payment
Shopping… • • With a new disposable income you may be tempted to spend your money on buying new goods: Consider! – What will be suitable to take home. Will it work in PNG? – Will you have to pay excess baggage to get it home? – What was your financial goal – try to save your money to achieve it!
The cost of incidental items • While you are a Pacific seasonal worker you can expect to pay for ad hoc items: – Toiletries (shampoo, soap) – Phone calling cards to ring home – Recreational activities such as rugby fees
Calling home • Calling home can be expensive – Limit your calls and time – Consider the cheapest options • Calling cards • Pre-paid mobile phone • Calls from PNG to Australia • Your employer will help you learn about what is available in your new area.
Health Insurance Health insurance in Australia is very important! • • A requirement under the Pilot and a visa condition. Medical costs can be very expensive – health insurance could save you from getting huge bills • Health insurance may not cover all you health expenses and it is important to be aware of any extra costs you might have to pay.
Questions?
Australia • • • Multicultural Indigenous heritage 21 million people
What is Culture? • • Culture is "the way things are done" in our community and our understanding of why they are done this way. Differences in culture can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. . and might be one of the challenges you will face in coming to Australia to work.
Is this Australian Culture?
Culture in Australia • • In Australia people of all ages, religions, colour and backgrounds have the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else. Men and women have the right to be treated equally and to have the same opportunities.
Australia’s Diversity
Australia’s Diversity
What might be different? • • • In Australia men and women may dress differently. Women will tend to wear more revealing clothes that show their arms and legs. Public displays of affection are common in. Breast feeding in common in public places in. In Australian culture consumption of alcohol is common, however it is not really acceptable to drink until you pass out every time you drink No spitting Buai is not available in Australia
What might be different • • When you are at work your boss might be a man or a women or someone younger than you. Respect in Australia is not based on age or family ties or your position in the family.
Culture shock • • A new country Can be difficult to be away from home, family, friends Common to feel homesick Stay in touch with home Do something that reminds you of home (church, choir, rugby, cooking) Speak up – talk to your team mates, employer Help available in Australia
Australian laws • • Everyone living in Australia must obey the law or face prosecution. Australia’s laws might be similar to the ones at home, but they can also be very different.
Breaking the Law • If you break the law, you may not be able to stay in Australia. – You must know what will happen if you break the law, particularly if you commit a criminal offence. * You are entitled to free legal advice.
Australian Laws Australia values cultural diversity, but all religious and cultural practices must obey Australian laws. Anti-Discrimination Act (1977) • No person can be treated unfairly because of their: – – – – Age Race Country of origin Sex Marital status Political or religious beliefs Disability Sexual preference
Getting Help • • Lifeline 131 114 (24 hrs) Men’s line Australia 1300 78 99 78
Police • • The police and the community have good relations in Australia. – Police are there to help The police keep peace and order in the community.
Police • If you are questioned by police: – remain calm – be polite and cooperative. • • Police may ask for your name and address. Local communities help each other and report unusual or suspicious activity to police.
Courts and the Law • • Courts decide if the law has been broken and what happens to people found guilty of a crime. A magistrate may hear the case and deliver a verdict. In some cases, a jury of citizens will make the decision, guided by a judge.
Criminal Offences • Serious criminal offences include: – – – – Murder assault sexual assault or rape violence against people or property armed robbery or theft dangerous driving of a motor car possession and use of illegal drugs fraud or having sexual relations with a young person who is aged below the age of consent (which is 17 in South Australia and Tasmania and 16 in all other states and territories in Australia).
Violence • Violence towards another person is a criminal offence in Australia and is regarded very seriously. – Whether it’s a member of your family or a stranger it is not acceptable
Domestic Violence Domestic violence is when someone uses violent and/or abusive behaviour to control another family member. – hitting (including children) – yelling, insults, bullying – controlling finances, controlling what a person does – forced sex, including forcing your spouse • Domestic violence is against the law. – is not a private matter and the police will become involved.
Sexual Harassment • • Sexual harassment is against the law. – affects both men and women Sexual harassment includes: – unwanted touching or staring – suggestive comments or jokes – sexually explicit pictures, posters – unwanted invitations to go out on a date, – unwanted requests for sex – sexually explicit e-mails, text message.
Traffic Laws • Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. • If you want to drive a vehicle, you must have a valid driver’s licence and the vehicle must be registered. • You must wear a seat belt. • Disobeying or breaking traffic laws can result large fines, loss of drivers’ licences or even prison. • Do not speed. • Do not drink and drive (Kava included) • Do not use a mobile phone while driving. in
Alcohol and drugs • Drinking alcohol is legal in Australia – – • In some places there alcohol restrictions Some PSWs may have committed to be alcohol free while in Australia. It is against the law to drink alcohol and drive You should not drink and drive Chewing beetlenut may not be accepted in Australia.
Smoking • Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol are not illegal, but there are restrictions in public. – Airport – Workplace – indoor public places (restaurants, hotels, shopping centres) – some outdoor public places
Drugs, smoking and alcohol • • The penalties for possessing illegal, illicit or unlawful drugs can be very severe. There are even greater penalties for those found guilty of producing, supplying or selling drugs.
Humane Treatment of Animals • • • It is against the law to mistreat or neglect animals. Many native Australian animals are protected and there are strict laws about hunting. It is forbidden to kill animals on another person’s property. * Stay away from dangerous animals – don’t touch!
Guns and other Weapons • It is against the law to carry weapons, such as guns and knives, in Australia (unless you have a license).
Health and Wellness
Sickness that does not go away Chronic diseases is the name for sickness that can not be cured Like Stroke : when blood to the brain is blocked Heart attack: when blood to the heart is blocked Diabetes: when sugar levels in the blood are high 70
§ ü ü ü Prevention of chronic diseases Eat healthy foods Get lots of physical exercise Keep a healthy weight Stop or reduce smoking Avoid drinking too much alcohol Have health checks regularly 71
Healthy Eating Fruit and Vegetables ü 2 serves of fruit a day A serve is: – 1 medium apple or orange is – 1 cup canned or chopped fruit ü 3 – 5 serves of vegetables a day A serve is: – 1 medium kumara – ½ cup of cooked vegetables 72
Healthy Eating Breads and Cereals ü 6 serves a day A serve is – 1 small bread roll – 1 slice of bread – 1 cup of cooked rice – 1 cup of cooked pasta 73
Healthy Eating Milk and food made from milk ü 2 serves a day A serve is: – 2 slices of cheese – I glass milk – 1 pot of yogurt 74
Healthy Eating Lean Meat, Eggs, Beans ü 1 serving a day A serve is – 1 egg – 1 medium piece of fish – 1 chicken leg – ¾ cups baked beans 75 75
Healthy sexual behaviour § • Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) are passed from one person to another when they have sex The HIV virus is an STI • If you think you have an STI ü Go to the doctor or health nurse ü Tell the person or people you had sex with so they can get treated 76
HIV/AIDS § § HIV is the virus that causes AIDS To get HIV the virus has to enter the bloodstream. This happens by sharing body fluids, that is Blood Semen Vaginal fluid Breast milk with someone who has HIV: 77
HIV/AIDS HIV is passed from one person to another person § Through sex § Sharing needles or injecting equipment § From mother to child 78
You can protect yourself from HIV and STIs by ü ü Saying no to sex Being faithful to your partner Using condoms consistently and correctly Not sharing needles or injecting equipment 79
Personal Hygiene • Personal Hygiene is necessary to protect you against infections and disease • You need to wash your hands with soap when: – – – • preparing food before meals after coughing & sneezing after using the toilet after tending pets When eating meals, you need to use utensils (ie. a spoon)
Preventing seasonal and swine flu To prevent the flu spreading ü Wash your hands ü Wipe common places clean with soap and hot water ü Cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing 81
Preventing boils ü Put antiseptic cream on scratches and grazes (like savlon) ü Don’t scratch broken skin ü Eat well to stay strong ü Keep your body and clothes clean ü See a doctor if a boil forms – the doctor might give you antibiotics 82
Feeling unwell? ü If you feel unwell tell your team leader or employer ü Your employer will help you to go to the pharmacy and the hospital ü Health insurance will help you pay the cost of going to the hospital 83
Avoiding harmful situations § Say no § Make up a story or give an excuse § Walk away 84
Healthy sexual behaviour § § Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) are passed from one person to another when they have se The HIV virus is an STI 85
Occupational Health and Safety • • OH&S is important in Australia It is about protecting the health, safety and welfare of all people at the workplace.
Safety at work • Your employer must provide: – – – safe premises safe machinery and substances safe systems of work information, instruction, training and supervision a suitable working environment and facilities.
Safety at work • You must abide by all safety regulations – – – Follow directions at all times If you see a hazard, report it Read all signs and instructions Bend your knees when lifting If you are unsure, ask someone
Safety at work • If employers do not comply with their legal requirements, they can be prosecuted and fined. • If you are injured, report it to your supervisor and employer and seek medical assistance.
What is Workers compensation? • • Workers compensation is the insurance the employer takes out in the event a worker is injured. If you have a workrelated injury or illness, you may be able to claim Workers compensation entitlements.
Why do I pay tax? • • Everyone who lives and works in Australia must pay tax. The Australian Government has taxes so it can collect money to run the country, e. g. schools, roads, and other public works.
How much tax do I pay? • • The amount you pay depends on how much you earn and how long you are in Australia Your employer will help you to understand tax
What do I have to do? • • Your employer will assist you with: – Tax File Number (TFN) – Tax Declaration Your tax file number will be yours for life. So keep it somewhere safe! A Tax Return is when you tell the Australian Government how much you earned. At the end of each financial year (e. g. 30 June 2012) you must lodge a Tax Return. Your employer will help you do this.
Do I have to lodge a Tax Return? • Yes, if you do not lodge a Tax Return there can be serious consequences. • Your employer will tell you when you need to complete a Tax Return. • Also depending on how much money you make, you may get a Tax Refund, i. e. you may get back some of the tax you paid.
Getting tax back • • Tax can take a long time to be processed – Don’t expect your tax to be sent to you as soon as you return home – It may be sent to you by cheque - you will need to have a bank account to access the money Consider the address you write on your tax return – Your home address in Papua New Guinea – The PNG Dept of Labour Think about how it will get to you…
What is Superannuation • Superannuation (super) is a way of saving for retirement • All employers in Australia must pay 9% of your wage into a super fund • Your employer must pay you a superannuation contribution
How much Superannuation can I get? • Eg. if you earn $600 in a week, your employer will put at least $54 for that week into your superannuation.
What is a superannuation fund? • A superannuation fund holds your money for you. • You cannot access your super while you are in Australia. • Your superannuation will be taxed.
When can I access the money in my super fund? • • • Once you have completed your work and left Australia, and your visa has ceased, you can apply to have the money refunded. You will be informed before you leave on how to claim this money back. It can take a long time to get back.
Contacts • • In an emergency – Call 000 They will say: “Police, Fire, Ambulance? ” and “where are you? ” Speak clearly and answer all questions If it is not an emergency, call the doctor or local police phone number on your contact list.
Pilot information line • • Call this information line if you ever have questions or concerns that your employer cannot answer. An Australian Government representative will answer and help you. Dial 02 6240 5234
Pre-return briefing • Your employer will provide you with a prereturn briefing before you leave Australia – – – Tax forms Superannuation forms Closing bank accounts etc Reducing excess baggage How to become a Pacific seasonal worker again
Good luck!!! • Remember you are representing your community, your province and Papua New Guinea • Work hard • Talk to your employer • Save your money to reach your goal • Enjoy the opportunity
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