Destination

Working in Australia
Permission to work
You must have permission to work in Australia
and hold a valid work visa. Your student visa
should include permission to work in Australia.
It is important you understand the rules of your
work visa before starting a job. You must not start
any paid work until you have commenced your
course of study. It is essential that you do not
exceed the number of hours of work you can
undertake, especially during the semester.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
(DIAC): www.immi.gov.au/students/students/
working_while_studying
Higher Degree by Research students, notably
those with scholarships, have work restrictions
imposed by the University. These restrictions may
differ from the student visa conditions. Your
supervisor will able to provide you with advice.
Work rights
Your minimum rights and work conditions may
be set by some form of legal document, award
or agreement. If an agreement or an award does
not apply, laws in Australia will provide basic
minimum pay and conditions. If you are asked
to sign any type of document agreeing to work
conditions, make sure you read it very carefully
and understand it before signing. Do not be afraid
of asking questions and clarify any doubts with
your employer. Keep a copy for your records.
Before starting work you should find out your
conditions such as your minimum rate of pay, the
number of hours you will work each week, when
you will be paid, if you are entitled to more money
(penalty rates) for working nights, weekends or
public holidays, when you should be taking
breaks during your shift and how much notice
you need to give your employer if you want to
resign from your job.
Monash Employment and Career Development
can help you to evaluate your options if you feel
that your work rights have been breached. Make
a confidential appointment to see them.
Telephone: +61 990 53151
You can also contact advisers at the Fair Work
Ombudsman Office, an Australian government
body, if you are unsure about your employment
arrangements.
Telephone: 13 13 94
www.fairwork.gov.au
Jobwatch is an employment rights legal centre
which provides assistance to workers in Victoria
about their rights at work. They provide a free
and confidential telephone information and
referral service. Information about job hunting
traps, such as unpaid trial work and scams can
be found on their website:
www.jobwatch.org.au
Finding work
The employment market in Australia can be
highly competitive and you may find it difficult to
find work. We suggest that you should not rely on
income from employment when budgeting to pay
for living expenses. There are many different
ways to find a job in Australia. Visit Monash
Employment and Career Development website
for information about seminars, writing a resume
and cover letter, and developing interview skills.
www.careers.monash.edu
Career Gateway is the official Monash jobs
database that provides you with access to
employment opportunities, events and further
career resources online.
careergateway.monash.edu.au
Other sources include online job databases:
www.seek.com.au, www.careerone.com.au,
www.mycareer.com.au, www.jobsearch.com.au
Start by searching under part time or casual
categories, and in specific industries that you are
interested in.
Work and your career
The development of your employment skills start
when you begin your Monash journey. Skills you
develop through work as a student can help you
to market yourself when you graduate. Work that
helps build your communication, teamwork and
problem solving skills is particularly helpful. Later
in your studies you may be able to obtain work
that connects more directly to your course.
Monash Employment and Career Development
runs a series of seminars throughout each
semester for you to harness these skills.
www.careers.monash.edu
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