Work for Your Spouse / Partner

In Australia, all jobs and professions are open to men and women. There are laws to protect workers against unfair treatment or discrimination based on their gender, race, disability, religion or sexual orientation. Equal Employment Opportunity laws require workplaces to ensure that career opportunities, advancement and training are based on worker's merit, skills and experience rather than preferential treatment or discrimination. Under Australian law, employees can choose to join (or not join) a trade union. Job Network Any Australian resident can register with Centrelink for help in finding a job.

Once you are registered you can be referred to Job Network, which consists of private, community and government organisations which help people find employment.

Job Network organisations will help you find job opportunities based on your experience and qualifications, or they may help you access further training which will help you find work. Job Network also offers extra assistance to people from non-English speaking backgrounds, and may be able to help you to develop job application and interview skills.

It is important to have any qualifications you have translated into English, and to find out whether those qualifications are recognised in Australia. These can be translated free at any Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) provider or by the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS). Your caseworker, proposer or the agency can assist you in this process.

All job seekers can also use the free Job Network Access facilities at Centrelink and a number of Job Network Member agencies, including telephones, photocopiers, fax machines, touch screens and computers (including the internet). For more information on services go to the website: www.deewr.gov.au.

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)

DEWR provides access to on-line services and information, with guides to employment information, government assistance, jobs, careers, training and working conditions. For information go to www.deewr.gov.au.

Other Ways to Look For Work

In addition to Job Network support, you can start looking for work by using one or more of the following means:

• Local and national newspapers
• Approach employers and employment agencies directly
• Job search internet sites
• Commercial employment agencies and/or
• Trade and professional magazines

Some employers display signs in their windows when they need workers. It is also helpful to ask your friends and relatives to tell you if they hear about any jobs that become available.

Qualifications

It is advisable to have your qualifications formally recognised so that it improves your opportunity to work in the same profession in which you are qualified. If you have qualifications in the engineering, construction, metalwork, electrical or catering trades, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) can advise you on how to have those qualifications recognised in Australia.

TRA can be contacted on (02) 6121 7456 or visit the website: www.workplace.gov.au for further information.

The National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) provides information on how to have post-secondary overseas academic qualifications recognised in Australia.

Some trades or professions offer 'bridging' courses to convert your qualifications to Australian standards. For more information contact your caseworker, proposer or visit the website: www.dest.gov.au.