Expert: Ian Smith - 5/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi! my partner and I are wanting to move to Oz at the end of the year from NZ, we are both in our 20s and we have 1 son aged 4, what would you reccommend? Perth or Brisbane?

ANSWER: Unfortunately you haven't forwarded your likes or dislikes so that makes it difficult to recommend one or the other.
Having said that, Perth would be my choice for the following reasons:
Excellent employment opportunities, kinder weather (Brizzy can get very sticky in summer) and it's easier to get around.
If you would like me to elaborate further, please send another email though I should warn you I'm currently in outback W.A. and getting the internet is very difficult.
Cheers, Ian Smith

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I work in a kohanga which is like kindy and my partner is a plasterer. He loves the outdoors and he plays alot of sports. Im not too keen on hothot weather. Anytime you reply is fine with me, as we arent moving over until the end of the year.

Answer
If you are not too keen on hot weather then I'd definitely head for Perth.
Brisbane has humid heat, Perth generally has more of a dry heat.  Also Perth is closer to the ocean than Brisbane which is quite a way inland.
Work will not be a problem in W.A.  I'm currently there doing a round Australia trip and the labour shortage is chronic as the mines are throwing money away to get employees.
$70,000 to $80,000 is a minimum wage with the average well over $100,000 so, what that means is that they've drained the labour from everywhere to fill the vacancies leaving the cities with not enough people to cover it.
Since you don't like the heat might I suggest places like Albany, Esperance, Hobart and Launceston as alternatives.
Whatever you decide, have a great time.
Cheers, Ian