We’re excited to announce the launch of Bupa Beginnings, a free and interactive guide to the Australian health system when having a baby.

Bupa Beginnings helps prospective and new parents understand their healthcare options, and make an informed choice. From hospital costs to birthing options, things are explained in clear terms – and if you’re a Bupa member you can even get an estimate of out of pocket expenses, depending on the type of care chosen.

This easy-to-use online tool can provide your clients with clear and helpful information on their health and care options and costs, from the moment they start planning a baby, through pregnancy and childbirth, and into the early months of their child’s life.

9 in 10 Australians think immigrants improve Australian society and many think the migration levels should be increased or kept the same at least.

A poll of 1200 Australian adults in March this year has found that an overwhelming number of Australians believe that immigrants improve Australian society, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald today.

The figures from the annual poll conducted by the Australian National University also found that over 80 per cent of Australians think immigrants are good for the economy.

Less than a third thought immigrants take jobs away from people born here and a similar number felt immigrants increased crime levels.

The main area of objection is with illegal immigrants. Under half of those polled felt that the current measures against illegals are inadequate and agreed that Australia should take "stronger measures to exclude illegal immigrants". 

Migration Alliance is pleased to sponsor Flu Shots for our members via our exclusive health services partner, Bupa.

Bookings are now available for your on-site flu vaccination.

By Michael Jeremy RMA, and Evie Kennedy

The latest Australian Taxation Office Statistics highlights a significant pay gap between Australia’s richest and poorest neighbourhoods. On average, there is an income difference of $155,823 between the richest and the poorest postcode.

A large amount of Australia highest earners fell within the 2027 postcode, which includes Sydney’s Edgecliff, Rushcutters Bay, Point Piper and Darling Point. The professions that garnered the highest taxable incomes included Medical specialists, judges and lawyers, mining engineers and financial dealers.

Australia's largest foreign mission is its embassy in Jakarta. That mission will soon be without an ambassador. Ministerial visits have also been suspended. With contact at the highest levels suspended how will it affect business and the thousands of travellers between the countries?

The Australian Government had hoped that “Indonesia would show mercy to the two young men, who have worked hard since their arrests to rehabilitate themselves and improve the lives of other prisoners,” according to a statement from the office of Foreign Minister Julie Bishop today.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time” Ms Bishop said.

Ms Bishop confirmed that Australia, “will withdraw our Ambassador for consultations once the men’s bodies have been returned to the Chan and Sukumaran families...Ministerial visits will remain suspended” said Ms Bishop.

DFAT nor the DIBP have provided any information on how these measures will specifically affect business or travellers between the countries. However, according to various analysts, Australia’s reaction which as serious as it seems, will not affect the daily operations of the Australian consulates in Indonesia. It does not mean diplomatic relations have ended as the rest of the consulate will continue to operate and provide services.

DFAT’s smartraveller.gov.au website advice is to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ on travel to Indonesia’ which is at the same overall level of advice prior to the announcement of the downgrading of diplomatic contact.