Australia Explained

All Australians are equal before the law but not everybody can afford to pay for the legal services required to obtain justice. In order to close this gap, there are eight legal aid commissions in Australia, one in each state and territory. The purpose of legal aid commissions is to provide vulnerable, disadvantaged and newly arrived Australians with access to justice.

Oral health is about much more than just having a pretty smile. The health of your mouth often reflects and can have an impact on the state of the rest of your body. Dental care is expensive in Australia, but there are ways to bring down the costs.

When renting a property, tenants have key rights and responsibilities. However a new survey says many renters experience anxiety and discrimination, with new migrants particularly vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation in the housing market.

The Australian unemployment rate continues at 5.7 per cent for the ninth consecutive month, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics February 2017 data. There is support available for those who are looking for work.

As more women join the workforce the demand for suitable and affordable child care grows. The cost varies and its often difficult to navigate the system. So, how do you know what services are available and whether your family is eligible to access government subsidy?

Australians are getting older and the need for good quality aged care is a growing concern. Many don't know about the services and how they can access them.

For new Australians, securing accommodation is an integral part of the settlement process. Community groups across the country work alongside governments to help those most in need develop sustainable and effective solutions. But one of these solutions, public housing, is now harder to find.

When we are sick the first point of contact is often the family doctor. Family doctors are commonly referred to as general practitioners or GPs in Australia. All Australian citizens, permanent residents and certain visa holders can access Medicare, which provides free or subsidised treatment by doctors and specialists.

In Australia consumers have rights under the law called consumer guarantees - and they could save you money. However, people whove recently settled in Australia can be extra vulnerable to questionable deals and businesses.

Australias national day has its roots in the countrys colonial past. Many Indigenous Australians regard it as Invasion or Survival Day. How has the meaning of Australia Day changed over time?

Being able to drive in a car is a necessity for many new arrivals to Australia. Yet, knowing if you need an Australian drivers licence and how to get one can change from state to state.

It's hailed as the biggest health policy since Medicare. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aims to provide the nearly half a million Australians who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life.

Australias First Peoples are the world's oldest living civilization, dating back some 50,000 years, according to a recent genetic study by an international team of academics. Yet, many Australians know little about the history of our First Peoples.

The ASX, Gold, Crude Oil, shares and the Aussie dollar. We hear the finance report on the news every day. It may sound alien or foreign, and you might feel it has nothing to do with you. Do you know what it means?

Australia is welcoming more skilled migrants - arrivals with tertiary qualifications have almost doubled since 2001. When a lack of local experience and qualifications becomes a hurdle to getting a job what assistance is on offer?

Emotional abuse is recognised as a damaging element of family violence. The Australian Bureau of Statistics says 3.3 million Australians have experienced emotional abuse by a partner since the age of 15. In migrant communities there are additional barriers which can impact on how the abuse is experienced. So, what exactly is emotional abuse and what are its effects?

In many migrant communities providing daily care for family and friends is a way of life and not something you ask for help with. National Carers Week (16-22 October) is a chance to show support for the vital role of carers and highlight the needs of carers supporting diverse communities.

Cyber threats posed by technological developments are often one step ahead of the users and online intelligence services. Language barriers can be a significant impediment to identifying threats. So, what are the dangers of cyberspace and how can we protect our privacy online?

There are many reasons why a person may wish to change their name. While the process to change is relatively simple, there are concerns some migrants change their name to avoid discrimination.

According to the Australian Drug Foundation, nearly three in ten teenagers have had a glass of alcohol in the past year. For many migrant parents addressing drug use can be a daunting task. Experts advise to stay calm and be non-judgemental.

A stroke is not a heart attack. A stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is suddenly disrupted. Getting urgent medical help is critical to survival and recovery.

Learning to speak and write English is a key skill for migrants to Australia. Many English learning programs are available for free, through hundreds of locations across the country.

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing and yet Alzheimers Australia predicts by mid-century almost a million people will be living with the illness. Patients from diverse backgrounds face additional challenges in getting an early diagnosis and care support which meets their needs. Carers and health experts advocate a cultural approach to dementia care

Reflecting our evolving population, AFL has become more multicultural with many new migrants taking up footy for a sense of belonging. These athletes often act as an inspiration and role model for their communities.

Australia is undergoing digital disruption that is set to dramatically change the workforce. Yet with a continued decline in student uptake of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) school subjects Australia will need to look overseas to bring in skilled migrants as we prepare the next generation for the digital future.