Tasmania

Tasmania, originally known as Van Diemen's Land, is the smallest state in Australia. It is recognised internationally for its unspoiled beauty, clean air and fine food and wine.

Tasmania is also known for its strong sporting tradition and a dynamic arts culture, extending from live theatre and music to movies, museums and commercial galleries.

Tasmania is Australia's wilderness state, with almost 40% of its land preserved as national parks, state reserves or listed as World Heritage sites.

Tasmanians are fortunate to be able to enjoy the benefits of a city lifestyle, combined with easy access to beaches, rivers and lakes and national parks. Tasmania's capital city, Hobart, is located near the mouth of the Derwent River on the south-east coast. Majestic views of Mount Wellington provide an impressive backdrop to the city.

Established in 1803, Hobart made its early history as a major whaling port and shipbuilding centre. More recently the city operates as the main administrative and commercial centre of the state.

Hobart moves at a slower pace compared to Australia's mainland cities, and residents enjoy a pleasant, leisurely lifestyle complete with yachts and fishing boats on the river, waterfront art and craft shops, hotels and restaurants, and picturesque parks and gardens.

Despite being the smallest Australian state, Tasmania has all the services and facilities needed to make it a desirable and relaxing home.

State Business

Tasmania's economic outlook is very bright. This is largely due to a number of sizeable infrastructure projects, a surge in private investment, and strong growth in sectors in which the state enjoys strong comparative advantages.

These sectors include:

  • Food and beverage production,
  • Specialised manufacturing,
  • Agriculture,
  • Tourism and
  • Forestry.

Many business migrants come to Tasmania to take advantage of the state's growing range of commercial opportunities. Tasmania welcomes entrepreneurs and under current immigration regulations the state government can offer sponsorship to business people who meet the qualifying criteria and wish to settle in Tasmania.

Tasmania is currently experiencing skills shortages in a number of key trades and professions such as nursing, teaching, accounting, dentistry and physiotherapy.

State Sponsorship Programme

The Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) is the only agency that has authority to grant visas for entry into Australia.

However to encourage business migrants to settle in the regional, rural and low growth areas of Australia and individual state governments within Australia can participate in this process through the state/territory sponsored visa categories.

These categories provide the ability to attract and sponsor migrants who have skills that are of value and importance to the state. Migrants who are successful in obtaining state/territory sponsorship are then assessed by DIMIA against specific criteria.

The Commonwealth entry criteria are lower for migrants who obtain state sponsorship. However, the awarding of state/territory sponsorship is no guarantee that a visa will be granted by DIMIA.

Regional visas (business and other):

Tasmania State Sponsorship is available on the following categories of provisional (temporary) and residence (permanent) business skills visas:

  • State Sponsored Business Owner
  • State Sponsored Senior Executive
  • State Sponsored Business Investor
  • State Sponsored Business Talent

Education

Tasmania has a world class education system catering to all age groups. The state’s education system consists of a mixture of public and private education providers which offer a wide range of courses and teaching styles.

Tasmania has the highest proportion of teachers with postgraduate qualifications in Australia and one of the highest in the world. Furthermore all schools are computer networked and the state is working to ensure that all students have access to the Internet.

Students begin compulsory schooling at age six and continue to year 10 (age 16), however continuation onto years 11 and 12 is encouraged.

For public schools the school year generally commences in mid-February and finishes in mid-December.

Public schools

Government schools do not charge tuition fees, however most schools ask parents or guardians to pay an annual school levy. Payment of the levy is voluntary and the amount of the levy is determined by the school's council or parent body.

Proceeds from the levy are used to assist in buying textbooks and computer equipment. Parents are also responsible for funding school excursions, camps and extracurricular activities.

There is no territory-wide uniform policy for government schools, however all schools do have a sun safety policy.

Government schools in the territory are not zoned unless a school has reached or is about to reach capacity. If a school is full or almost full, children from within the school's feeder area are given priority.

Public (Government) schools

Tasmania has approximately 220 government schools offering primary and secondary education to around 75% of Tasmania's students.

All public schools offer an innovative, advanced and diverse curriculum based around eight key subject areas including:

  • Mathematics,
  • Science,
  • English,
  • Studies of Society and Environment,
  • Arts,
  • Languages Other Than English (LOTE),
  • Technology,
  • Health and PE.

Public schools in Tasmania generally do not charge fees, however may request that parents pay levies and contribute towards extra curricula activities such as school excursions.

Private (independent) schools

Tasmania has some of the oldest and most prestigious independent schools in Australia, many of which are either religiously orientated or have a particular educational philosophy.

The majority of Tasmania's independent schools cater for live-in boarders and day students, and there are a range of single-sex and coeducational schools available.

Independent school fees range from AUS$4,000 to AUS$15,000 per year per child, however there are some 'low-fee' schools that charge tuition fees from around AUS$1,000 per year.

Tuition fees vary depending on the school. Within individual schools there is often a sliding scale of fees for primary, middle, senior, and years 11 and 12, which relates directly to the increasing costs of educational provision as a student progresses through the school programme.

Daycare

Children in Tasmania may attend pre-school or kindergarten prior to primary school. The state government licenses, monitors and supports all child care services in Tasmania to ensure the provision of consistent, high quality services.

There are a variety of options available to parents requiring daycare services. These include long day care, play centres, occasional care and outside 'school hour' care.

Preschool and kindergarten

In Tasmania children who are aged at least four years old on January 1 are eligible for admission to the core kindergarten/preschool programme (for children aged four-five).

Tasmania's early childhood programmes are designed to provide educational experiences that assist children in developing their knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Primary school

Primary school in Tasmania consists of Year 1 to Year 6 and all children between the ages of five and 16 (as at January 1 in any year) must be enrolled at a school.

There are approximately 140 public primary schools within the state and the majority of these are co-educational.

Attendance at public primary schools is free, however levies/fees may be charged in relation to some school activities.

Secondary school

High schools in Tasmania teach children from age 13 to 16 (Year 7 to Year 10) while senior college teaches up to Year 11 and Year 12.

The academic year runs from February to December in high schools but senior secondary colleges finish earlier in November to allow for examinations.

The senior secondary college system is a Tasmanian innovation which enables students to select from over 100 subjects. Senior secondary colleges are designed to provide a foundation for further university or vocational study.

By successfully completing Years 11 and 12, students are able to receive the Tasmanian Certificate of Education which is recognised by all Australian universities.

Tertiary Education - Vocational and educational training facilities

Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Tasmania is part of the Australian national system that provides technical and further education and training.

The institute has five TAFE institutes within Tasmania, with each campus focusing on a specific industry sector.

The Institute of TAFE Tasmania is the largest provider of tertiary training in the state and forms an essential part of Tasmania's education and training agenda.

University

Tasmania is home to two Universities - The University of Tasmania and The Australian Maritime College.

The University of Tasmania is nationally and internationally renowned as a centre for academic excellence. With campuses in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, it is one of Australia's oldest and most respected tertiary institutions. It offers a variety of courses ranging from traditional disciplines to those matched to Tasmania's characteristics, such as Antarctic and Southern Ocean studies, agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, mining, forestry and environment and wilderness studies. T

he Australian Maritime College (AMC) is Australia's only national institution of higher education established to provide education and training for people working in or wishing to enter the fishing, shipping and related maritime industries.

Employment

Key industries

Manufacturing is one of the main contributors to Tasmania's local economy, accounting for almost 20% of the state's gross domestic product. The manufacturing sector is export-oriented and includes world competitive businesses in fast ferries, paper production, maritime safety systems, timber processing, automotive components, mining equipment, lightning protection, aquaculture equipment and fine food and beverages.

Other major contributors to the state's gross domestic product include the government-dominated public administration, defence and community sectors.

Launceston is Tasmania's second largest city and an important commercial centre that derives its wealth from wool, wine, agriculture, niche manufacturing and resource processing.

In the North-West of the state, the city of Burnie is fueled by thriving dairy processing and specialised manufacturers that complement the area's traditional port, pulp and paper industries.

Tasmania's tourism sector is experiencing strong growth with around 600 000 visitors a year experiencing the state's World Heritage wilderness, gourmet food and wine, world class sailing, fly-fishing and cultural attractions. Opportunities in this sector for business people range from investment in major infrastructure to operating one of the many boutique bed and breakfast establishments.

Tasmania is fast becoming Australia's most dynamic food producer as gourmet food grown in the state's unpolluted, disease free soils is snapped up by discerning interstate and overseas buyers. 

International companies operating in Tasmania include: Comalco, Norske Skog, Caterpillar, Duke Energy, Cadbury Schweppes, Kokan Mining, Hokushin, Pasminco, San Miguel, Johnson and Johnson, Glaxo Welcome, National Grid, Eckart, Bongrain, McCains, Simplot, BHP-Billiton, Sterlite and Vodafone.

Looking for work

There are a number of resources available to jobseekers in Tasmania:

  • The state's major daily newspaper The Mercury has a dedicated section advertising employment vacancies, with Wednesday and Saturday editions holding the most extensive employment section. Other newspaper sources include The Australian and the Australian Financial Review .
  • Recruitment agencies and consultancies are another key source for job leads and can be found in the Yellow Pages or the career section of local newspapers.
  • The internet is also a useful resource and there are many sites that list job vacancies in Tasmania.
  • Many large companies have their own websites, which may outline career opportunities or list job vacancies in their organisation.

Housing

Home ownership

Home ownership rates in Tasmania are high, with approximately 70% of Tasmanians either owning their own home or in the process of purchasing a home.

One of Tasmania's most attractive features (aside of its natural beauty and relaxing lifestyle) is the quality, range and affordability of urban and rural real estate. Although prices have recently risen in many areas, bargains can still be found - often with water views, a large landholding and access to the wilderness that surrounds many urban centres.

Hobart's residential suburbs are all in close proximity of the central business district. Despite the recent real estate boom in Australia, Hobart still offers the cheapest capital city housing in Australia.

According to the Real Estate Institute of Australia the median house price in Hobart as December 2004 was AUS$265,000, a figure that compares very favourably with other cities such as Melbourne and Sydney where equivalent houses can cost up to twice as much.

Renting

According to the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania, the average rent for a three bedroom home in Hobart is around AUS230.00 per week (as at December 2004).

As with all major cities, rental prices can vary considerably depending on the proximity of a property to the Central Business District, coastal areas and public transport facilities.

To secure a property, tenants must pay a security bond (refundable deposit) plus a deposit of several weeks rent which has to be paid in advance. In many instances two references are also required.

Properties for rent are advertised in the 'To Let' section of The Mercury newspaper and through local newspapers. Both landlords and real estate agents place advertisements, with the largest number of listings being placed in Wednesday and Saturday editions.

On average around half of available properties are  rented out within two weeks of being advertised, with the better ones often being taken within days of coming on the market.

Transport

Tasmania is well served by its transport infrastructure with an excellent road network linking all major centres, two high-speed passenger/car ferries and over 480 flights in and out of the state each week.

Tasmania's public transport system consists of an excellent bus network which is known as the Hobart Metro. Buses provide an easy way to travel throughout the city and the 'Metro Tens', a pack of ten discounted tickets, represent good value for money.

There is also a weekday peak-hour ferry service that travels to Bellerive, on the eastern shore of Hobart. The service operates at 90 minute intervals between 10:30 to 15:00 and is a relaxing way to get around Hobart.

Taxis in Hobart are one of the most popular forms of transport and can be readily hailed on the street. Fares are usually quite cheap and in the more quiet districts of Hobart and Tasmania, taxis can be ordered by telephone.

Cyclists are also welcome on the state roads, and there are purpose-built cycling paths in some areas of the State.

Population

Tasmania's estimated resident population is approximately 482,000, with around 202,138 people living in the capital city of Hobart.

The second largest city is Launceston which has a population of almost 102,000 and is Tasmania’s fastest growing city.

Climate

Unlike much of Australia, Tasmania has a temperate maritime climate with four distinct seasons. The state's location on the northern edge of what is known as the 'Roaring Forties' (a westerly air stream), plus its mountainous terrain, produce marked variations of climate, particularly when it comes to rainfall.

The seasons are opposite to that of the Northern Hemisphere with summer being from December to February when the average maximum temperature is 21 degrees Celsius.

Winter is from June to August and has an average maximum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius.

The summer months are characterised by warm sunny days and mild evenings. The weather is most stable between the months of February and April. Autumn provides the classical transition to winter with cool to frosty nights and clear cool days.

In contrast the winter period can bring sudden storms, shorter day light hours and snow on the higher mountain peaks. Springtime (September to November) sees temperatures begin to rise again along with the advent of a few spring showers.

As with all states in Australia the sun can be extremely harsh and therefore it is advisable to always wear sun/skin protection during the summer months.

Time zone

Tasmania operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), and Hobart is 10 hours in front of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) without daylight saving. T

hroughout the summer months, Tasmania adopts daylight saving time (also known as Australian Eastern Daylight Time - AEDT). During daylight saving time the local clock is moved forward one hour to gain an 'extra hour' of daylight at the end of the working day.

In Tasmania daylight saving begins at 2.00 am on the first Sunday of October and concludes on the last Sunday of March, when clocks are put back one hour (again at 2.00 am).

Geography

The state of Tasmania is an island separated from the rest of the Australian mainland by the Bass Strait.

It has a land area of 68,322 square kilometers and the majority of the population lives on and around the coastal river areas - the Derwent and the Huon Rivers in the south and the Tamar and Mersey Rivers in the north.

Tasmania is a geographically diverse state, ranging from temperate rainforest and mountains on the west coast to sandy beaches on the east coast.

Tasmania is also the most mountainous of Australian states and while the height of its mountains rarely exceed 1500 metres, the proportion of mountainous country to total land area is particularly high.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Tasmania is close to or below that of other Australian states, especially when it comes to buying a house.

Tasmania offers a high standard of living with the beautiful cities of Hobart and Launceston having no pollution, lots of festivals and cultural events, cheap public transport, beautiful scenery and friendly people. and are intended as a guide only. All prices are as at May 2005.