Translation & Interpretation services
Free telephone interpreter services are available to contact government organisations, some community services and medical and health practitioners. Call 13 14 50.
Accommodation
Finding suitable accommodation is an important part of your study experience in Australia. Make sure you know your legal rights and responsibilities. Search online for ‘tenants’ union’ or ‘fair trading’ in your state or territory.
Employment
Before you do any paid work, check your visa allows you to work. There is a national minimum wage, and you may get paid more if you work weekends or late nights. There are also entitlements you should be aware of such as casual loading and superannuation. You can arrange to have your superannuation paid to you when you leave Australia.
A Tax File Number (TFN) is mandatory before you work www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number
Know your work rights and entitlements:
Know your work rights and entitlements:
- Fair Work Ombudsman: www.fairwork.gov.au, 13 13 94
- ATO: www.ato.gov.au, 13 28 61
- Work conditions for student visa holders: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/stud/more/work-conditions-for-student-visa-holders
Safety
Police are there to help you and the community. Many states and territories have Multicultural Community Liaison Officers. In emergencies, call 000 for attendance by police, fire or ambulance services. For police assistance and non-urgent matters, call 131 444 (excludes Victoria). Search online for ‘Police’ in your state or territory
Sexual Assault and Harassment
Sexual assault and sexual harassment are illegal in Australia. If you have experienced this and want to speak to someone for support or information, contact:
- Your campus student support services, campus security, lecturer or tutor
- Your local police
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- QLife (LGBTI specific): 1800 184 527
Do not feel embarrassed or ashamed if something has happened to you. There is a range of services that can give you support and help.
Health and Wellbeing
For treatment of illness or health checks, visit a doctor or medical centre. In an emergency, go to your nearest hospital. If you need to go to the doctor, your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) should cover some of the cost. There are mental health support services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Find your:
- local health service: www.healthdirect.gov.au, 1800 022 222
- local hospital: www.myhospitals.gov.au.
- search online for ‘transcultural mental health’ in your state or territory.
Legal Support
Depending on which state or territory you are in, you may be able to access Legal Aid services which are confidential, free to access, and can offer important services to assist students with a problem before it escalates. Search online for ‘Legal Aid’ or ‘Community Legal Centre’ in your state or territory. The following states provide free legal services for international students:
- NSW: Redfern Legal Centre International Student Service - www.rlc.org.au, 02 9698 7645
- VIC: International Student Work Rights Legal Service, info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au or call 1800 056 449 (free call from landlines)
International students should not be afraid to seek legal help. Seeking advice will not place a student’s visa at risk.
