Australia Explained

Social etiquette is no longer the same in the highly infectious coronavirus environment we find ourselves in. Keeping a physical distance, sneezing into your elbow, and regular hand washing are just some of the new norm.

With Australian domestic tourism down $21.7 billion compared to last year, 2020 is like no other in the tourism world. But if your travel plans have been disrupted, technological advancements may now enable the world to come direct to you.

While the pandemic lockdowns limited access to physical gambling venues, the impact of lockdown hasn’t shrunk the actual offering of gambling products in Australia. Increases in online gambling and wagering app downloads reflect a shift in behaviour, with a worrying spike in gambling issues among younger Australians.

During the COVID-19 pandemic many Australian micro-businesses were forced to implement new digital strategies in order to survive. Digital business experts believe creating competitive advantages are about the ability to evolve, innovate and understand that digital and business strategies are two sides of the same coin.

How have some people remained healthy and energetic amid the pandemic, while others have become ill or demotivated? The secret, according to those who rarely get sick, lies in the mindset and habits that contribute to your overall wellbeing.

Bereavement amid a global health crisis worsens the sense of loss when we are unable to give our loved one a proper send-off. Here’s how people are making sense of their grief within the COVID-19 restrictions.

Retiree plans for housing and accommodation have shifted with the pandemic’s social restrictions and resulting changes in the property market. How will the property market look for retirees and others throughout – and after – the pandemic?

Australia’s first recession in 29 years has financial counsellors busy taking calls from people who have never faced debt problems, and there are concerns debt amid the pandemic may provoke serious mental health concerns.

Caring for a loved one with dementia is challenging at the best of times, but experts say families are struggling more than ever to provide support for their loved ones amid the pandemic.

Many temporary migrants have endured hardship during COVID-19, as found in a recent survey conducted by Unions New South Wales. With 87 per cent of respondents reporting that they had difficulty paying their weekly expenses and 43 per cent skipping meals on a regular basis, we explore some survival tips you may find useful during these turbulent times.

The economic damage inflicted by COVID-19 restrictions has seen over three million Australians dip into their superannuation savings. Whether you need that extra boost in cash or not, financial experts say it is nonetheless a good time to review the state of your superannuation account.

Victoria’s embattled aged care sector is grappling with widespread infections resulting in over 100 deaths amid the coronavirus pandemic. There are lessons for desperate families when considering residential aged care for your loved ones during these trying times.

The pandemic’s economic fallout has the Reserve Bank of Australia predicting the unemployment rate is likely to rise to 10 per cent by the end of the year, affecting not just local workers, but many temporary migrants whose job hunting efforts have become more challenging than ever.

The pandemic has sent shockwaves through businesses that usually thrive in normal times. But the disruptive nature of viral outbreaks has left some distressed owners eager to offload their burden. Is now a good time to buy a business? According to some, with the right strategies and plans in place, you may be in for a bargain.

Men are often taught to stay strong no matter what adversity they face in life. But dreams of resettlement in Australia can sometimes crumble when emotions get out of control and family relationships fall apart. Experts say sharing your feelings isn’t a weakness but a sign of strength.

The calming qualities of greenery may improve and nourish our general physical and mental wellbeing. Many are turning to indoor plants, even growing their own food, to find stability amid social restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic.

Desperate visa applicants are turning to migration agents as their hope for a new life in Australia. But according to some registered migration agents, not all agents can be trusted.

Australians are becoming increasingly reliant on telehealth during the coronavirus pandemic. Statistics from Services Australia show that the total number of telehealth consultations rose from 1.3 million in March to 5.8 million in April. You can make the most of your telehealth session with some simple preparation.

Travel restrictions and social distancing measures of COVID-19 are further delaying processing times for partner visa applicants within and outside Australia. According to the Migration Institute of Australia, just under half of partner visas lodged in the last financial year were granted.

COVID-19 has made us more digitally connected than ever. Whether you are a new user or a seasoned netizen, the internet can be a dangerous place if you don’t know how to recognise the warning signs of a scam.

If your visa is set to be cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic, not seeking prompt legal advice could jeopardise your chances of lawfully staying in Australia.

Australia’s coronavirus curve has flattened but with some restrictions still in place, many are still homebound. Without the freedom to engage in activities we once enjoyed, why not make the most of the current situation by learning a new professional skill or revisiting a lost passion?

COVID-19 is dramatically disrupting on the lives of close to 97,000 bridging visa holders in Australia who are unable to access the federal government’s COVID-19 support schemes.

Grandparents traditionally play a significant role in the Australian family life, but with the government advising older people to stay home, social isolation is changing the way many now approach grandparenting.

Advocates for action on family violence are concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic has become a desperate time for women experiencing family violence who are dependents of temporary visa holders, with their ordeal compounded by barriers in accessing social services due to their visa status.