Antipodes Migration

Referendum
Saturday 14 October 2023
Don't forget to Vote

Quick Facts...

Australians last voted to change the Constitution more than 20 years ago -

This will be the 45th time Australians have been asked to consider changing the Constitution -

Statistically, Australians are very shy when it comes to change. Only 8 of the previous 44 referendums were successful in changing the Constitution -

For the proposed change to 'get up', the majority of voters nationally must vote yes and the majority of the 6 states must also vote yes - a 'double majority' -

VOTING IS COMPULSORY FOR ALL CITIZENS OVER 18 YEARS OLD

Driving in Australia 🚙 🏍

Australia is a big country with so much to see and there is nothing more awe inspiring than a road trip. But did you know that drivers licence requirements are determined by the Australian states and territories? This can be confusing because while each state or territory has some common rules, there are a number of important differences that you should be aware of.

One common factor is that all states and territories allow visitors to drive on either an International Driving Permit or their current FULL drivers licence, provided that licence is valid and current. BUT, and this is important – you must always carry your foreign licence with you while driving AND carry and an approved English translation of the overseas licence or an International Driving Permit along with your foreign licence

The rules of each state or territory become a bit more complicated for people who plan to stay for more than 3 months or who have gained permanent residency. Here is a breakdown of those rules on a state or territory basis.

In Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia you must apply for a local licence within 3 months of gaining your PR status. Tasmania requires you to get your state licence within 6 months of PR grant. If you are planning an extended stay in the Northern Territory (NT) of more than 3 months, you must apply for a local licence. This is true for whatever, temporary or permanent, visa you hold. Importantly, the NT requires a person to carry an International Driving Permit if their foreign licence is not in English, in this case, an English translation is not sufficient.

Victoria is somewhat similar to NT except that the Victorian government allows a person to drive on their foreign licence for 6 months before they need to obtain a state licence, regardless of whether you are a temporary or permanent visa holder.

The Australian Capital Territory government, requires people to obtain a local licence within 6 months of commencing residence there. Tourists, business people and student can simply use their foreign licence for the duration of their stay.

Visitors and students in New South Wales (NSW) can drive on their valid overseas licence for the duration of their stay. Beware however, that if you are pulled over by police in NSW, you may be asked to prove your temporary visa status, this may include a copy of your visa grant notice and / or a letter from your education institution. Upon being granted PR, you must obtain a local licence within 3 months of your PR grant.

Of course it goes without saying, you must drive according to the local road rules, regardless of where you are from.

Use these links for more detailed information and safe and happy driving.

Tasmania - https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing/interstate_or_overseas_licences/driving_in_tasmania_on_an_interstate_or_overseas_licence

Victoria - https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/new-to-victoria/interstate-overseas-licence-holders

New South Wales - https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/visiting-or-moving-to-nsw/overseas-and-interstate-visitors
Australian Capital Territory

Queensland - https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/overseas/driving

Northern Territory - https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/new-nt-residents-and-visitors/driver-licence-rules-for-new-nt-residents-and-visiting-drivers

South Australia - https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/licences/interstate-and-overseas/driving-with-an-overseas-licence

Western Australia - https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/visiting-from-overseas.asp

NAATI – Translations - https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/visiting-from-overseas.asp