Settlement Services

Awards (modern awards) are legal documents that outline the minimum pay rates and conditions of employment specifically for an industry or occupation, and detail the rights of all employees, and workers on visas.

There are more than 100 industry or occupation awards that cover most people who work in Australia. Different Awards may apply, based on whether your employer is in the state or national industrial relations system.

For further information about Awards, please visit the FairWork Ombudsman website(opens in a new tab)

Some businesses may have an Agreement between an employer and their employees regarding employment conditions. An agreement must be approved by and registered with the Fair Work Commission(opens in a new tab) and by law cannot offer less than the legal minimum entitlements set out in the National Employment Standards (NES), an Award, or other registered agreements that may apply. 

An Agreement is generally used where there is no Award that applies to that particular sector, or if a workplace has specific needs. For example; if a retail store trades seven days a week, it may have an agreement in place to cover overtime payments and days off for people who work weekends. It's sometimes the case that an Agreement offers "above Award" pay and conditions — this helps to attract workers to a business.

For further information about Agreements, please visit the FairWork Ombudsman website(opens in a new tab)

An employment contract is an agreement between an employer and employee that sets out terms and conditions of employment. A contract can be in writing or verbal (however; it is always recommended that any employment contract should be written).

By law, an employment contract cannot offer less than the legal minimum entitlements set out in the National Employment Standards (NES), an Award, an Agreement, or other registered agreements that may apply.

For further information about employment contracts, please visit the FairWork Ombudsman website(opens in a new tab)

When you are covered by an Award, your employer is required by law to pay you the rates outlined in that Award, including any penalty rates (higher pay rates) for working weekends or overtime. An Award applies automatically if you or your employer are in the right industry or occupation.

If your industry or occupation is not covered by an Award, you will be entitled to the national minimum rate of pay and your employer is required by law to pay you this rate. Minimum rates of pay apply to full time, part time and casual employees including junior employees, and workers on visas.

All employees working in Australia are entitled to be paid a minimum wage. This is the minimum amount an employee can be paid for the work that they're doing. For most employees, the minimum wage is set by the Award that covers their industry or occupation.

The minimum wage refers to the amount of pay before tax is taken out (your gross pay). The actual rate is provided by the Fair Work Act and reviewed each year.

Visit the FairWork Ombudsman website for more information about minimum wage rates(opens in a new tab)

Employees may be entitled to overtime or a higher pay rate for working at particular times of the day, on certain days of the week, or if they are required to work on a public holiday. They may also be entitled to an allowance or other entitlements — for example; if they need to wear special clothing at work, are working in a remote location, using their own vehicle for work, or travelling for work.

The specific rates or allowances that an employee needs to be paid depends on the Award, Agreement or other industrial instrument that applies. 

Visit the FairWork Ombudsman website for further information(opens in a new tab)

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) collects taxes from your income for the Australian Government. The taxes we all pay fund community services such as healthcare, education, emergency services, roads and train lines, the Australian Defence Force, and welfare and disaster relief. Having the services we all value depends on everyone paying the right amount of tax — the amount you pay will depend on your total wage or salary.

When your employer pays your salary or wage, they take out tax and send it to the ATO. Your payslip will show how much tax has been taken out. 

Find out more about income tax on the ATO website(opens in a new tab)

In Australia, the financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June. Generally, when you have tax taken out of your pay or salary or earn over $18,200 during the financial year, you need to lodge a tax return detailing your income and any deductions to the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

The ATO calculates how much tax should be paid on your income, less the amount your employer has already sent to us, and considers any taxable deductions you may have. If you have paid more income tax than required, you may receive a refund from the ATO.

Find out more about tax returns on the ATO website(opens in a new tab)

Superannuation is like a savings fund that builds through your working life, and in general can be accessed once you reach retirement age.

Superannuation of 10.5 per cent of an employee's ordinary time earnings must be paid by the employer to the employee’s nominated superannuation fund when an employee is over 18 years of age, or under 18 years and working over 30 hours a week.

your payslip will show how much superannuation your employer is paying. Employees may also make direct contributions to their superannuation fund, if they wish.

Visit the FairWork Ombudsman website for information about superannuation(opens in a new tab)

Awards, Agreements and other registered agreements or contracts will have rules about how an employee's hours of work should be set. This includes the the hours of work you are required to complete; breaks you're entitled to; when overtime applies; and your work roster. 

Check the FairWork Ombudsman website for information about hours of work and public holidays(opens in a new tab)

Full time and part time employees usually work a set number of hours a week and get paid public holidays, annual leave, and personal leave such as for illness or caring for a family member. Casual employees usually work a roster that changes each week, and receive a higher pay rate (casual loading) but do not get paid leave. All employees have an entitlement to paid long service leave.

Check the FairWork Ombudsman website for information about leave(opens in a new tab)

All workers in WA are covered by the Work Health and Safety Act 2020. The WHS Act provides a framework to protect the health, safety and welfare of workers in WA workplaces, and of other people who might be affected by the work. It aims to protect the health and safety of workers and other people by eliminating or minimising risks arising from work or workplaces; and ensure fair and effective representation, consultation and cooperation to address and resolve health and safety issues in the workplace.

Workers' compensation is a form of insurance payment to employees if they are injured at work or become sick due to their work. It includes payments to employees to cover their wages while they're not fit for work, medical expenses and rehabilitation.

Visit the WorkSafe website for further details about workplace health and safety(opens in a new tab)

In Australia, everyone has the right not to be bullied, sexually harassed or discriminated against at work. This includes any kind of harassment or discrimination based on your sex, race or culture, religion, or gender identity.

Under Australian law, your employer has a responsibility to safeguard you against bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination in your workplace and ensure that all employees are treated equally and given equal opportunities.

For further information on harassment and discrimination, please visit the FairWork Ombudsman website(opens in a new tab)

The Fair Work Act gives all employees protected rights, called ‘general protections’, at work. These protected rights include workplace rights; your safety at work; taking or not taking part in industrial activities or belonging or not belonging to an industrial association such as a trade union; and being free from discrimination of any kind. 

Under these acts, you have the right to lodge a complaint or seek support if you feel your rights are being violated in the workplace or if you believe your employee rights such as pay conditions are not being met. This is particularly important if you are experiencing any kind of discrimination or harassment in the workplace.

For further information about employee protections, please visit the FairWork Ombudsman website(opens in a new tab)

Legal Aid WA is an independent statutory body that provides information, advice and legal assistance to all Western Australians.

Legal Aid WA’s Social Inclusion Program focuses on people who are vulnerable and at risk of social exclusion. This program assists people to resolve civil law problems that affect their daily lives.

Equal Opportunity Commission

Everybody has the right to be treated fairly. This is covered by the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (the Act) which is administered by the Equal Opportunity Commission (the Commission).

The Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against people on the grounds of sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, family responsibility or family status, race, religious or political conviction, impairment, age, or involving sexual or racial harassment or, in certain cases, gender history. This means that if any person believes that they have been discriminated against in these ways, there is an avenue they can pursue for help.

The Commission can provide you with information about equal opportunity or investigate complaints of discrimination.

The WA Police Service provides a range of services from crime prevention to traffic management. They are well represented in both metropolitan and regional WA and are equipped to respond to various emergencies.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) responds to a wide range of emergencies including fire, cyclones, storms, floods, road accidents, chemical spills and earthquakes as well as undertaking search and rescue operations on land and water.

In Australia some of your appliances (oven, heating and hotplate) may be run by either gas or electricity. If your appliances are run by gas, you will need to set up a service to arrange connection of gas to the property.

A simple internet search for "WA gas services" will present you with details of providers who can get you connected.

Every two months the Water Corporation will read individual water meters for each residential property and issue a bill for water use and service charges.

Due to a drying climate and limited water supply, Perth is subject to restrictions for watering gardens. All homes in Perth, Mandurah, Pinjarra and along the Goldfields pipeline have been allocated two specific days each week when watering with sprinklers or reticulation systems is allowed. 

View the Water Corporation website(opens in a new tab) to check your watering days.

Sewerage and drainage charges for residential properties are based on the rateable value of the property. The rateable value is derived from the gross rental value (GRV) or the estimated gross annual rent which is determined by the Office of the Valuer General. 

For further information, Visit the Water Corporation website(opens in a new tab).

To obtain a standard 'landline' telephone service, you will need to contact a telephone company that offers services in your residential area. Different providers may offer different service and pricing packages.

​For a full list of providers, visit the Yellow Pages​(opens in a new tab).

Most homes in WA are connected to an internet network. You will need to arrange for a service to be provided to your home, by contacting an internet service provider (ISP). Fees and charges vary, according to the type of service you require.

A search for "WA internet service providers" will present you with options.

Australia Post(opens in a new tab) operates the Australian mail system.

There are a large number of major shopping centres located across the surburbs of Perth. These centres offer a range of experiences, from large department stores through to specialty stores and specialist boutique or artisan retailers. Some have a cinema complex. Centres are air-conditioned and offer bus services, taxis and free parking.

A search for "WA shopping centres" will present you with a list of locations.

Grocery stores are usually located in shopping centres. Typically, these stores are located in most major suburbs and are open seven days a week. Many of these stores have extended opening hours. You will find all your normal grocery items in these stores.

There's also a number of specialist retailers around Perth; offering groceries and food items from particular countries or cuisines such as Asian, Italian, Indian or African. 

Like other parts of Australia and the world, online shopping is increasing in use in WA, with a whole range of products available for purchase online.

Many retailers offer home delivery as well as "click and collect" options, for convenience.