Well, it’s not presidential election, so technically the Aussie will not directly choose their Prime Minister. They will choose the local member of parliament that belong to a party or an independent. The majority member will form a government that has been nominated before. So, if you want a Labor Prime Minister, then vote for Labor candidate nominated for your local neighborhood, and vice versa.

The real drawback of this system that quite annoying (at least for me) was what happen with PM Kevin Rudd: the labor party faction decides that Kevin Rudd is a liability that has to be replaced.  So, it did – a few people initiative was able to replace a Prime Minister that not even 3 years ago has successfully win the election toppling the previous government that has ruled Australia for more than a decade. For me, at least for Prime Minister position, which is the one running the country, there should be more difficult procedure to replace the office.

Anyway, back to the topic, what do you think the would be Prime-Minister-elect below.

Modern vs Traditional – who will win

Let’s compare side by side the two leader of the party that would become prime minister:

Julia Gillard vs Tony Abbott For PM

Domestically, many parents and Christian group voice concern about Julia as role model. Not only admitting publicly that she doesn’t belief in God and religion, but she’s also not married and living together as de-facto couple with her partner.

Tony on the other hand, not only still go to the church every week, he also said publicly that he wants her daughters to be still virgin on wedding day. Something that is quite rare in western world. Also, as a politician, he is super duper fit – recently at 52 years old he still can finish an Ironman Triathlon (that is 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling and 42 km running in a day – he finished it under 15 hours -  try this if you can !!)

Despite that, poll showed that Julia is significantly very popular as PM candidate to Tony by far. (mid July 2010′s poll: 57% prefer Julia vs 27% for Tony as PM). I guess not only she is a good looking red head woman, but also as the first female PM for Australia – which completes the dominance of female leadership in this country.

The only common denomination between both is that they are both migrant and born overseas !

So, between the modern and the traditional, which one you choose ?

Current Government:

• One of the major achievement that can be boasted about is that Kevin Rudd government has saved Australia from GFC (Global Financial Crisis). During the worldwide downturn, Australia has never entered a recession. Thanks to the quick action from government with its economic stimulus.
• Some people scream that Labor has plunged Australia into debt. I can say straight that these people are 101% wrong and most likely they don’t know anything about macro economics. It is true that before GFC, Australian Federal Government has no debt. But if there is indication of recession where private sector stop spending, the government need to step in go into debt and stimulates the economy. They have no choice, that’s the only way – any government will do this.
  The debt itself ? Again some people who whinge about debt, it’s screaming that they don’t know anything about finance. (They maybe ridicoulously scare about debt , have never study and understand debt and need further education) – Australia debt will peak at $153 billion at around 2013 . Looks big? No at all, Last year Australia GDP is $1.2trillion or $1200 billion, and with growth to 2013, the debt will be around 10% of GDP (Gross national Product). This is comparable to if you have $500,000 home and got a mortgage of $50,000. Really small and manageable. So, do not worry a single blink about Australia debt.
  For further comparison, the European country that recently have problems with debt (Spain, Greece, etc) has debt of up to around 200% of their GDP, of course this is problem – but not with Australia)
• However, the debt money that government spend could have much better impact if it being spent with more control: 2 big mess are the home insulation program and the BER (Building  Education Revolution).
  The home insulation scheme lack of check and control where scammer and unqualified people can claim as insulator, receive money from government and install dogy insulation at home all across Australia. Not only rorting the scheme, but also responsible of many house fire due to technical matter.
  Almost similar, the BER is practically giving money to school all over Australia to renovate or build new building. The problem is there is no control where the builder and/or the school giving a ridiculously high quote, but still get the money. For example: to make covered outdoor learning area in school, usually costs somewhere under $80,000 but some school can get it ballooned to $950,000 without any question.
  For both bungles, I fully understand that quick response is essential (hence not much rules/procedure can be fully established) but it can easily much better run if the government delegate the operation into the respected industrial body on each field. Not only they have more experience and visibility of the norm, government can sue back the money if they proven to be rorting the government. But instead both scheme were handled by government directly. This is not acceptable.
• Asylum seeker/Refugee matter: I believe without doubt, this government has failed to maintain preventing the low rate of illegal immigrant, especially the one come from illegal boat, come to Australia. This is the comparison: the last 2 terms of previous government (from 2001 – 2007) the averages is 4 boat a year with average of 48 people per year. But, just 2009, there were 59 illegal boats with 2750 people on it. (see http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bn/sp/BoatArrivals.htm for more statistic)
  I fully believe refugee need to be helped and Australia should help generously, but the way they come to Australia, I don’t really agree with. The problem with this is some of these “refugee” allegedly fly to Indonesia or other neighboring country before embarking on a boat coordinated by “people smuggler”. Some pay thousands of dollars  just to get in the crappy boat. So, some of them are not genuine refugee and unfortunately no way (or very hard) to prove this 100%.

  The fact that Australia is not in the direct vicinity of the conflict area (Afghanistan, Middle East, etc) then all refugee intake should be the ones coordinated by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) not by illegal people smuggler. The message need to be clear, anybody claim themselve as refugee need to be endorsed by UNHCR – the rest will be met by harder law. This is to prevent blooming business of people smuggler. It is really different if for example there is conflict in Indonesia or East Timor, then boat people from this direct neighbor will be likely a genuine refugee.

• This government has upset the mining community: the very industrial sector that made dodging GFC possible. Super profit tax or whatever the name should not be applied to mining company. Yes, they have huge profit, but also remember that they also contribute huge infra structure (railway, roads, township,etc) of otherwise just tiny rural town. Not to mention capital and infrastructure to do the mining itself. If the government want to have extra tax, apply this Super Profit tax to bank. The banks is not capital hungry they just provide service, mostly now automatid by computer, but yet their profit will be astronomically high if compared with the capital required.

To be franked, I am not really Labor supporter. But with all the above, I would think they didn’t do any big mishap. With the Liberals did not have much different policy anyway, I would say, let Labor continue govern this country, mainly to clean their own mess!

Well, the way democracy works, an opinion of one person does not really matter. The majority will rule. Happy election !

Female Domination in Australia Top Job

This probably a rare combination for a country anywhere in the world (if not the only one) – at this moment of this writing – July 2010 – that all top job in state and federal politics is being held by 5 powerful women below:

Australia Female Leaders

1. Governor General of Australia, Quentin Bryce  (Governor General is symbolic representation of the Queen of England  as the head of the country – Australia is Commonwealth country)
2. Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard
3. NSW Governor, Marie Bashir (New South Wales is the biggest state in Australia in term of population and economics measure)
4. NSW Premier, Kristina Kenneally
5. Deputy NSW Premier, Carmel Tebbutt.

And even more unique both Julia Gillard and Kristina Kenneally got their top job by toppling male Labor colleague. Julia toppled  Kevin Rudd while Kristina beat Nathan Rees.

Very unique indeed….

See analysis of Group A,B,C,D

Group E

No surprise here as the orange team sails trough as predicted. Netherlands wins 2-0 against Denmark and 1-0 against Japan.

World Cup 2010 Group E

My take: with “kamikaze” spirit, Japan will hold Denmark for a draw. So, Netherlands and Japan will through.

Update: Japan did better, they win. But the end result is as predicted.

Group F

Italy and Paraguay supposed to be the top of the group. Well they are (kind of), although Italy got the same diseases as England: under performing. The screaming underdog is New Zealand – force a draw against Italy and Slovakia, this Australian neighbor may prepare the next surprise.

World Cup 2010 Group F

Update: Italy cannot win and Paraguay draw. Slovakia through.

Group G

Probably so far only Brazil (win 2-1 against Korea DPR and 3-1 against Ivory Coast) and Argentina are showing their superiority quite consistently. Although Portugal try to as well: with their 7-0 win against Korea DPR (North Korea), after unfortunate draw against Ivory Coast.

World Cup 2010 Group G

Update: as predicted, although Brasil just score a draw.

Group H

In the first game, as expected Chile beat Honduras (1-0) but surprisingly the Swiss beat favorite Spain (also 1-0). Then it was “normal” on the second game where Spain beat Honduras and Chile beat Switzerland. With Swiss is due to meet Honduras and Spain to meet Chile on the last game of group’s round robin. This group is making the most interesting in term of league table. Chile with 6 points is not yet qualified, but Honduras with 0 point still can qualify. Interesting !

World Cup 2010 Group H

Chile just need a draw to qualify.Swiss need at least 2 goals win against Honduras – provided Spain win over Chile (or just any win if Chile beat Spain – actually a draw is enough to Swiss if Chile beat Spain by more than 2 goals).Even Honduras can still qualify if they win more than 3 goals against Switzerland provided Chile beats Spain.

All scenario above is still practically possible. (compare to group G where the scenario is possible but not practical/hardly unlikely) Interesting, right ?!

My take: Swiss will win with 2+ goal and qualify. Spain will win also with 2+ goal and qualify. So, Spain and Swiss Chile will through.

Update: Spain won and Swiss unable to score a win against the weakest Honduras. Hence Chile go through.

See analysis of Group A,B,C,D

The Top 16

So according to the analysis (read: “guess”) above, the top 16 are:

Let see how many I was wrong next week. Have fun !

UPDATE: hey, 13 out of 16 (81%)!, not bad…

See analysis of Group E, F, G, H

Group A

The cup is kicked start with the host nation South Africa make a surprise draw again more favorite Mexico, followed by yet another surprise that 1998 Champion, France also forced to draw by Uruguay.

Ireland can have a little bit smile seeing karma at work. Remember, France only qualified to the world cup by defeating Ireland 2-1 with hand ball’s goal. The superstar of 1998 world cup, Thierry Henry, admit it openly, but France still through. (Even Pizza Hut Ireland gives away 350 pizza for the Irish for each goal any country put into France as token of consolation)

And after that France only see bad things one after another: criticize by their own minister to be too luxurious, defeated by Mexico, their striker Nicolas Anelka sent home, fight between coach and players, even  the player refuse to do training session. What a laughable matters…..

World Cup 2010 Group A

If Uruguay beats Mexico, say 1-0, then for France, they can qualify by winning with at least 4 goals against South Africa to overcome the goal difference. For South Africa, it is tougher because they need to beat France with 6 goals to qualify.

If Mexico beats Uruguay, say 1-0, then for France, they can qualify by winning with at least 5 goals against South Africa to overcome the goal difference. For South Africa, it is tougher because they need to beat France with 7 goals to qualify.

My take: despite Uruguay’s coach claiming they will play to win, with the risk of injury, yellow card and fitness of the player, it will be very economical for both Uruguay and Mexico to spare a draw, meaning: France and South Africa are out.  So, Uruguay and Mexico will through.

UPDATE: Uruguay win, but as predicted Mexico and Uruguay through…

Group B

No surprise in this group as Argentina cruise along with 2 wins and Korea beats Greece, but  Greece beat Nigeria.

World Cup 2010 Group B

My take: with Maradona (Argentina’s coach) got a beef with Pele, plus Portugal kills North Korea (the other Korea) by 7-0, Argentina will go for win, maybe a big win, for the prestige. So, Korea and Nigeria will fight for their spot in top 16. But Nigeria need 2 goals, Korea need just a draw. With Argentina wins and Korea wins, so Argentina and Korea will through.

UPDATE: Korea only draw, but as predicted Argentina and Korea through…

Group C

Group C is one of the dull group. England supposed to be in “easy” group but way under performing and only produce 2 draws against USA and Algeria. Only a just win by Slovenia against Algeria 1-0 make them on top of the group.

World Cup 2010 Group C

My take:  With all play all out, England and USA will be the most probably to win. So, England and USA will through.

UPDATE: As predicted.

Group D

When Germany was seeded in this Group D, no body would dare that Ghana is the one topping the group after 2 matches. The biggest surprise is that Serbia can beat German on their own game. Australia was given a football lesson 0-4 by Germany when Pim Verbeek (Australia coach) made a weird decision to play 4-4-2 where they never play or try it before (instead of the usual 4-3-2-1 pattern).

World Cup 2010 Group D

My (bias) take:  German and Australia will win. But for the Aussie, the goal difference probably is still not enough to qualify (Hopefully If German win 4-0,  Australia still have to win 2-0). So, Germany and Australia Ghana will through.

UPDATE: As predicted, but both German and Australia did not make enough goal, so Germany and Ghana through…

See analysis of Group E, F, G, H

The Top 16

So according to the analysis (read: “guess”) above, the top 16 are:

Let see how many I was wrong next week. Have fun !

UPDATE: hey, 13 out of 16 (81%)!, not bad…

The Ads & The Lyric

You can judge yourself. But before you do that, make sure check the lyric and watch it in full first below. (For a start, half of the critics did not really know for sure what the lyric is, but already voicing something negative). Here they are: (Tourism Australia owns the copyright)

1. “There is nothing like it, is it ?!!”.
   “No…” [Somewhere at east coast beach on sun rise. Early morning surfing with a mate, watching a couple of Dolphin playing while waiting for the wave]
2. “There is nothing like the sunrise, the first wave of the day” [Playing piano on the beach]
3. “The trip along the coastline” [In a plane]
4. “It’s right across the bay” [Ferry at Sydney Harbour]
5. “There’s nothing like this ancient place” [Aborigine Elder on the rock]
6. “Sunset on a camel” [Northern Teritory]
7. “This organism” [Great Barrier Reef]
8. “This billabong” [Aborigine kids]
9. “Or this duck-billed mammal” [A ranger holding platypus]
10. “Ta ra ra ra” [Train trip with boyfriend across the bush]
11. “Ta ra ra ra” [BBQ on the beach with mates]
12. “Ta ra ra ra ra ra ra ra” [Rowing in Brisbane(?) River]
13. “There is nothing like the people here” [Outdoor tenor singing in a winery]
14. “or here” [Gold coast beach lifeguard]
15. “or here” [At fresh water river inside a tropical rain forest]
16. “or there” [In front of Melbourne Central Station, basking on the street]
17. “My mates up here” [A boy sitting on a branch of tree with couple of Kookaburra bird]
18. “My friends down there” [On a reef with Colourful fish]
19. “There is nothing like this bear” - “That’s not a bear” [A Girl Holding Koala, with ranger behind]
20. “There is nothing like this giant shrubs” [In a national park]
21. “This rock” [Uluru]
22. (muffled) “This Fish” [Diving near a whale shark]
23. “These birds” [With Australian Budgies]
24. “There is nothing like this furry thing that bounce around in herds” [Driving in a prairie with Kangaroos]
25. “There is Nothing Like, Australia” [At the Twelve Apostle, Victoria]
26. “There is Nothing Like, Australia” [Girls night out with train]
27. “There is Nothing Like This wondrous land” [On the top of the valley to the desert with 4WD]
28. “From Darwin to Bass Strait” [2 girls in a car]
29. “There is nothing like the people here” [People at rock pool]
30. “Where everyone is mate” [Drinking in a Pub]
31. “There is Nothing Like Australia” [Bridge Climb at Sydney Harbour Bridge]
32. “There is Nothing Like Australia” [Concert at outside of Sydney Opera House]
33. “There is Nothing Like Australia” [Firework starts]
34. “There is Nothing Like Australia” [Firework continue]

Petty Critics

So, do you like it ? Well, it’s a free country, you like it or not it’s purely your opinion and you can express it.
However, some of the critics around the social media (youtube, vimeo, etc) are just petty critics, some of the popular one:

• Koala is not a bear ! (Well, obviously someone cannot catch the wording straight after that – see row 19 – actually the ads has done terrific job to “fix” this common error, imagine this: if your kid is given a Koala doll and he/she put it side by side with the Teddy bear. Due to the physical structure similarity, of course everybody will now call it “Koala Bear” to match “Teddy Bear” – what? you want to call it “Koala marsupial?” – The fact that’s Koala is not bear now can be taken just by seeing this ad – no need to wait the Biology class at year 10 or visit to a Koala park – isn’t that great ?)
• A group of kangaroo is called mob not “herds” (Complete boo-boo, the critics obviously doesn’t know that you can use even grammatically wrong structure to make a song. This is not grammar presentation, it ads… “herds” in a way rhyme with “birds” (previous sentence) – also “mob” have very bad connotation in English language i.e: criminal group. So, I bet “herds” was carefully chosen.
• Racist – only see white people (Another complete boo boo. You can see Aborigine, White, Asian, Hispanic, etc)
• Why the girls driving left handed car (Yes, in Australia the steering wheel is on the right side of a car. This “complain” most probably is just technical matter, for example: after the 4WD is panning from left to right, then zoom in to the inside need to show left to right movement – if the shooting was done on the other side then it create conflict of flow, so they just flip the clip. Maybe- I am not the editor. Also other alternative explanation, since it’s a desert, the rental company can provide left handed car for overseas tourist – in short – not a big deal)
• Copying Discovery Channel Ad “Boom De Ah Dah” – see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_f98qOGY0 (Have a look at that ads, yes the flow and the framework is the same but nothing in the content is similar, not the song, not the text, not the scene. This is not copying, this is call “adaptation” – Obviously the creative team agreed that Discovery Channel Ad is very suitable for this campaign and just work their adaptation.
• Copying Mickey Mouse theme song – see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61ZoKsU0OAQ (The only similarity probably just the last 3 bar. But that ending (note sequence and tempo) is very common being used in uplifting and climax ending that will encourage the audience to clap. Probably a few tens of known song use the same ending. Also, since the tune is simple, the chord progression is also similar with many other popular and simple song. The creator of this ad is expert in his field, there is little possibility that he did not know about Mickey Mouse song..) Just another petty critics.

The sad thing is, people make serious comment like “I am embarrass being Australian because of this ad” or “lame” or “idiot” based on those petty factors.

Probably the only critics that missing from the ad is didgeridoo and the snow. Yes, Australia also has snow !

The Real Value

If you really want to judge the ad, then be a foreigner. Say you live in Siberia and consider for a nice holiday then stumble upon this ads, what can you derive by just watching the ads:

Sydney Opera House in the Ad

• Australia is thick with beach culture (surfing, BBQ on the beach, diving, swim with dolphin)
• Multi-cultural society
• Great scenery (desert, archipelago, valley, bushland, etc)
• Exotic indigenous animal (Koala “bear”, Kookaburra, Platypus, Kangaroo, birds, camel, even whale shark)
• The home of the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge (mm apparently you can climb on it, I’ll try that…)
• Winery, pub and sport culture – also music culture (the tenor singer and concert outside Sydney Opera house)
• People so relax, casual and friendly
• Funny and humorous ads – not serious boring ads.
• And the tune is catchy (Try just hear the ads 2 times, and it will come back to you when you are just doing nothing)
• Catchy simple slogan “There’s nothing like Australia”
• And what’s that fabulous firework ???

Now, if a 90second ads can give all of the above, I would say it’s quite bloody good ads !

To tell you the truth, the first time I hear and watch this ads, after having a small laugh and giggle  on the content, I burst into tears after that final cresendo, full with proud and awe that I can call Australia home.

Just wait until this ad runs during the world cup break where Australia united behind Socceroos, this would become unofficial national anthem that people will sing !! You betcha !

Want to try to watch it again?

Visit: australia.com for further info about traveling to Australia.

My mother is the best
She cooks delicious food
Like restaurant  make it

My mother is the best
She cuts all our hair
As barber and hair stylist

My mother is the best
She teaches driving all 4 sons
As the only female in the house

My mother is the best
She takes care our garden well
Orchids, tomato and mango grow

My mother is the best
She bakes like professional
Cookies, bread , cake? Piece of cake

My mother is the best
She fixes the plumbing at our place
Even not all the male can’t do

My mother is the best
She lectures accounting and finances in uni
Even she was an architect before

My mother is the best
She makes money while asleep
As the share pass profit target

My mother is the best
She loves kids dearly
Even my daughter adore her

My mother is the best
Now that she has grand children
She still as energetic as before
She is still my great mother
She is my super mother.

Happy Mother’s Day !

A few years back, after living in Australia for a while (I was born and raised in Indonesia), I and family have a chance to go visit Bali. And there sitting on the sand of Kuta beach, I left with my mind wondering: why fellow Aussie so keen to go to Kuta beach. I mean, compare to Bondi Beach, Manly or Coogee – the beach and surrounding itself – Kuta is not better than local beach at home. Some worse: no privacy (try to sit somewhere on the beach and every 10 minutes, people will approach you to sell something) and the beach is  not that pristine (check the sand and water). Yes, I am talking the public beach area – much better in private/hotel area.

But no later after walking around on those shops and hotels in Legian Street, I realized that much more is on offer at Kuta: cheap shopping, massage on the beach, dirt cheap rent a car, cheap beer, lively pub, extravagance traditional art and culture. So, just come with friends or family, it will be an unforgettable tremendous experience.

Travel to Indonesia

1. It’s much more crowded – get used to it

Comparing Sydney and Jakarta (both the largest city in the country): Sydney (4+ million population) is 5 x larger than Jakarta (20+million population), but have 5 x less people. So, if you go a shopping mall in Sydney and see 20 people on site, you would see 100+ people in Jakarta. This is not necessarily a bad thing, just something that you need to comfortable with.

2. Foreign tourists stand out from the crowd

If you are Caucasian, probably you would expect this. But this also apply to any race and color of skin. Indian, Malaysian or Filipino are probably the closest look with similarity to local, but remember item (1) above. Since it’s crowded and all of this crowd pretty much behave and act in similar “usual” way, any foreign tourist will stand out in the crowd.

3. Pricing: almost across the board 2 tiers pricing: for local and for foreigner. (But still cheap!)

It’s not fair, but that’s the reality. Try to go to a hotel and ask the stand by rate, say you are quoted US$40 (US$ is common denomination for tourist destination) per night – which is pretty much already very cheap for your standard. But try to ask a local to ask the rate for the same room, probably they will be quoted Rp 150,000,- which convert to just above US$15. Not only that, even at some local tourist destination where you need to pay “Entrance Fee”, do not shock if you see official price that different between local and foreigner. That $30 massage on the beach, the local will only pay $5. That cheap $15 Quick Silver T-shirt ? It’s only $3 for local. (Yes, even it was ticketed).

As resident in a country that have higher living cost, you should just accept this situation and consider that your money will boost the local economy more. Probably even proud that you contribute more to local businessmen/businesswoman. But if you cannot take this, my advise would be: get local that you trust (local staff employee, friends, or even your pen pal that you pursue especially for this) -or- get use to bargain down every offer (aim to get at least 50% or cheaper than the original offer) .

4. You have more money than local.

Probably related to item (3), but if someone is very friendly, the chance are they are after your money. Don’t take it all negative, only a very few criminal that all is actually try to rob you or rip you off in direct way, most of them is expecting that you trust them enough, then they can provide some service to you with generous tip – or similar at that ball park.

For example: just collecting your baggage at Airport, you will be greeted by troops of porter that offer their help to carry your bags. Just ask a firm price for their service before they touch or take your bag. Otherwise, you will need to pay whatever they want or your bag will not be returned. (Remember they probably have many supporting friend there)

If you study some sociology about Indonesia, you will know that the living standard of most the people is low. The disparity between the rich and poor is very big gap. 80-90% of the nation economy is controlled by only a bunch of people. So, the rich is super rich but the rest is not that fortunate. So, knowing that you are a tourist (see item (2) above) – the economical motivation can make people do anything at all if the price is right.

5. Driving? Just forget it

Not only requires International Driving License (or local license), you will be astounded by the amount of motor cycle on the street. Changing lane will be a huge task  as the more you give sign, the more people will not give way. The one who braver will get the way. So, it’s very easy to have minor accident. But because of item  (2) and (3) above, you will be end up paying (who is at fault will be determined by who shout louder).

Then come the adventure when you got stop in a traffic’s red light. Beggars, busker with guitar, hawkers selling cigarette and newspaper – even drink will surround your car in almost every traffic light. If you are “”lucky”, some criminal with red axe will just crush your windshield robbing you out in the broad daylight.

I would suggest strongly to just use taxi that you book from phone to move you point to point. Bus, train and other transport , not only crowded, it carries more inconvenience and risk for foreign tourist. Better yet, indulge your journey by organizing a driver together with the car from your hotel for your maximum convenience – it’s not that expensive !

6. Some practical culture different

• Indonesia is tropical country (hot, 30 degree all around), so unless it is in high mountain, the locals is not usually drink alcohol. Alcohol is embraced mainly by the youngster who are not foreign with pub, disco and active night live. So, drinking alcohol and clubbing are not that common and wide spread and these club, pub and disco are commonly judged as “sin place”
• Although probably not in shopping mall and hotels, the toilet sometimes doesn’t have toilet paper. Water, soap and bucket instead. So, in your wallet: a facial tissue and wet tissue would be very handy if it’s always there.
• Don’t get offended if in some restaurant, they use toilet paper on the table (with some enclosures) as your serviettes.
• Kissing and romancing in public is kind of taboo – and starting 2008,you may get yourself charged breaking the controversial “anti pornography” law doing so – be careful with your swim suit as well.
• Eating is with fork (on left hand) and spoon (right hand) . Doing otherwise will be judged “silly” -  knife is only “there” in good restaurant  or available upon request.

And final item. Before book your ticket , or at least before go to airport, make sure to read the latest current affairs and advisory maintained by Australian Federal Government about Travel to Indonesia in here: Smart Traveler’s website.

This article is by no mean try to scare you, instead by knowing all of above, you will be more prepare and have more fabulous journey. Don’t treat this as rule, but when it happen you know why.
“Selamat Jalan !”

One of the negative effect if the living cost is relatively very high compare to other city in Australia. Although Sydney is still in top cities in the world to live in (rank 10 according to 2009 Mercer Quality of Living Survey), there are significant price that you need to pay to call yourself “Sydneysider”.

Beautiful Sydney Harbour

Note: all cost will be calculated to yearly figure (1 year = 52 weeks) then all converted to monthly figure.

The Biggest Continuing Living Cost: Accommodation

As bachelor (student included), you cheapest alternative is to “share accommodation” with other bachelor/family. This usually a bedroom for yourself and share everything else (share kitchen, share lounge room, share bedroom – if your bedroom is not equipped with bedroom) – all electricity gas and internet broadband usually included in the weekly rent.

A share accommodation near university or city will cost you on average about $300 per week (highly depended on all the “perks” included).

As couple with or without family, the cheapest accommodation arrangement is to rent 1 bedroom unit (“unit” means “apartment”) or 2 bedrooms unit. In Sydney, the common rental market will be “unfurnished” property – meaning the unit will be rented without furniture. The one usually included in the rental are: kitchen cupboard and stove, dryer, dishwasher(not always) and washing machine (sometimes) only. The rest, you need to buy for yourself and move it along with you as you move to new address. The contract is minimum 6 months (you cannot break the contract unless you pay the whole period or find replacement) – but usually 12 month is the norm.

A decent 2 bedroom units around 30 minutes drive from city cost you on average about $400 per week.

Fully furnished apartment is not common and if there is, usually you will pay premium – beside the hassle that you will be liable if you damaged the furniture.

One bedroom apartment is relatively cheaper than 2 bedroom, but they are harder to find, hence the difference with 2 bedroom usually only $20 – $30 per week which make you consider the 2 bedrooms unit more spacious and has more value for your money.

Renting a free standing house is generally will be around $150 per week more expensive compare to unit. But you have your own backyard/frontyard, can have pet (dog, cat), better lifestyle (you can have BBQ every week with friends), etc

To rent a property you will need to go to a real estate agent (exist almost in every corner of business center), fil some forms and provide 4 – 6 weeks rental as deposit/security or “bond money“. Some reference check and official ID. The payment is weekly or fortnightly in advance.

Buying an apartment/unit for migrant will be a more difficult unless you have the money to buy it outright or just borrow small portion of the money. Currently, thanks to the Global Financial Crisis, you will need roughly 25% of the price to cover for deposit and cost. Meaning, a $400,000 2-bedroom units, you need to have $100,000 cash in a bank and borrow the rest. Then you need to show proof of income (Australia’s employer), proof of saving, credit history, etc. And you need to be permanent resident or citizan. Otherwise your purchase need to be approved by FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) – means: more cost and paperwork.

For more detail estimate of your particular area/suburb, you can start with http://www.domain.com.au/ or http://www.realestate.com.au/

Utility Bill: Water, Gas, Electricity

If you rent a property, the water bill is paid by landlord (so you don’t pay water bill) – but you still need to pay electricity and gas. Some older unit don’t have gas service which will be a disadvantage as gas is cheaper than electricity. Mainly during winter where you need to have heater. Gas heater will have significantly lower running cost compare to electric heater. The same applies to stove for cooking. Choose unit with gas if possible.

Gas and Electricity are billed per quarter (every 3 months). For gas it would be about $100 per quarter (depends really on usage) and For electricity is around $300 per quarter.

For more detail about Electricity and Gas you can start with AGL., Energy Australia or Integral Energy.

So here is the comparison so far:

First Capital Expenditure

Now that you have a place to live, then you need to look at one off capital expenditure that you need to buy.

First of all will be furniture: bed, dining table, some chairs, study table, cupboard and sofa. That’s basic item that you need to have. For 2 bedroom apartments, you can fill out your empty units with as low as around $2000 (check out Fantastic Furniture home starter package) but the quality will not the very best. You can buy more decent basic furniture for about $5000 for 2 bedrooms.

Next to furniture is some electronic basic item that you will definitely need them: TV, Fridge, Vacuum Cleaner and some kitchen goodies.

The other item that really important considering Sydney is a very big place and the public transport – although much cheaper than last year now – thanks to new myzone ticketing system – is still not up to scratch. Having a family car is not a luxury in Sydney – perhaps more a necessity. To see more detail about having a car in Sydney, read: Sydney Living Cost 2010: Car Ownership Expenses

Food & Groceries

If you cook most of your meal by yourself (or your spouse), then family of four (with 2 school kids) will need at least around $500 monthly. Dine out will cost you around $10 – $15 per person. More fancy restaurant can cost you around $25-35 per person. So, with 2 dine out a month you need to spare at least $100 extra.

In Australia, although duo-poly from the 2 major supermarkets: Woolworth and Coles Supermarket still a dominant factor, many smaller player especially Aldi (soon: Costco) have already giving consumer much cheaper grocery prices.

Transportation Cost

If you have a car , the cost of transport is roughly around $6000 per year – see Sydney Living Cost 2010: Car Ownership Expenses – The public transport has been quite overhauled for the last 3 month or so – now with around $48 per week (or around $2000 per year) per person, you can basically do unlimited travel around Sydney metropolitan area. See MyZone ticketing system. Of course it could be cheaper depending on the method of transport and area that you want to travel.

For this article, I assume within a family a parent will drive a car and the other one use public transport.

Entertainment

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Entertainment

The fact that Sydney is quite expensive should not prevent you to enjoy live. Go out to the beautiful beach such Bondi, Manly, Coogee, and many other will be the cheapest option as probably you just need to pay for the parking and your lunch. Going to the cinema to enjoy the latest movie will cost you around $20 per person (not including beverage/snack). Kid go to “playland” (Lollipop, Clown Town, Jitterbug, etc) will set you back about $15 per kid.

I suggest to spare at least $150 a month for your family fun.

Internet and Mobile

Internet connection is getting cheaper. With $50 you can get unlimited download (it’s actually 130GB full ADSL2+ speed and 1Mbps shapping after that – 1Mbps shapping is practically very fast , hence can be consider unlimited – see TPG). For mobile phone, there are literally hundreds of plan out there, one of the value is to have post paid contract for 24 months with $29 cap per month that will be more than enough for most people. Three have such plan with very good handset free.

Education Expense

For you with kid on school age education expense is something that you need to be considered. While public school is free, Catholic school will charge around $600 per quarter and private school can charge much much more than that. So, beside the school fee, be prepare to spare at lease $500 per kid per year for uniform, stationary, excursion, etc which is extra from school fee.

For you with kid under 5 years old, you need to pay the expensive child care service to look after your kid while you are at work. Or alternatively one of the parent need to be at home (not working) to look after the kid. The rate of child care center is about $75 a day. The government will refund 50% of them (until certain limit) – so, you need to have enough cash flow while waiting for the quarterly refund. For the calculation on table I will put one school age kid and one under 5 kid.

Additionally, you might need to pay about $25 “after school care” per day, if you cannot pick the kid about 3pm (15:00) from school. This service is also 50% quarterly refunded.

Health and Tax, Health Insurance (Optional but highly recommended) and Other Insurance

Australia is one of the country that has high tax. Average Australian will pay at least 30% of salary to tax office. The maximum is 45%. So, if you are employed with $60,000 p.a salary, expect only take around $40,000 home.

But with the high tax, come the benefit: if you are permanent resident that live more than 2 years in Australia – with some condition, of course – you will be eligible for social security payment (or “dole”) if for some reason you are unable to work. And the best part is: medical facility is generally free.

If you feel sick and need to see a doctor (General Practitioner), just go to a clinic that do “Bulk Billing” and you will pay nothing for your visit. The same thing apply for more serious matter as operation / surgery, etc. Just show your “medicare card” – Medicare also over delivery and other hospital services such blood work, etc. Unfortunately medicare did not pay for your medicine (although some is subsidized). So, prepare to spend around $200 per year to all this cough syrup, panadol, some ointment, etc…

For non resident, say tourist – expect to pay around $150 to visit a doctor and thousands of dollar just to spend a night in a hospital.

So if all medical bill will be generally free, why we need to purchase private health insurance ? Some of the important reasons:

1. If you don’t have private health insurance, the government will charge 1.5% extra from your income as “medicare levy”. So, with $60k p.a you will pay $900 extra tax. If a health insurance for family is $200 per month, total $2400 – then you don’t have to pay that $900. Yes, you still have to pay additional $2400-$900 = $1500 per year for insurance, but rather than giving $900 for government, it is better spend it for your own benefit.
2. You are covered for emergency transportation. The medicare will cover your hospital bill, but if you need helicopter to transport you in emergency you need to pay that helicopter bill – as well as normal car ambulance. If you have private health insurance, you don’t have to worry about this.
3. You have additional “benefit” for day to day health related expenses such as: spectacle or contact lenses, remedial massage, physiotherapy, podiatrist, chiropractor and dentist cost. Although highly depended on the “plan” that you sign up with, these “perks” is quite worth it if you use some of the mention above. For me, since both me and my wife wear glasses, go to remedial massage from now and then, occasional physio due to sport(mostly golf) injury, some chiro treatment for bad sleeping position, regular dentist visit, etc, this “perks” value to more than $1000 per year.

Other insurance that you might want to consider are income protection insurance and trauma/life insurance (especially if you have mortgage) – but as starting point, just use income protection ans life insurance you can pay with your superannuation account. (Your employer will pay 9% – soon will be 12% – compulsory contribution, you just need talk to the superannuation company to start your insurance under the account)

Summary

Above is the summary of all discussion in this article. Note on the last row is the salary projection that you need to ear to cover the expenses assuming 30% income tax.

If you just arrive in Australia for the first time, expect 2-3 months before getting decent job. For some reasons, if your experience was just from overseas, it will be quite difficult to find similar job in Australia. Usually it takes 2 step behind to go 1 step forward. So, in term of money, prepare at least 3 months full cost plus the capital expenditure on your first arrival.

Once arrive in Sydney, first thing you do after a good night sleep in hotel is: go to bank and open account there. The big 4 banks in Australia are: Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and National. Where you open the account is immaterial as you can withdraw and do any other service on different bank. The 2nd step will be securing your home – find a rental place !

Yes, it’s not that cheap to live in Sydney – considering also Australian Dollar is now almost in parity with US dollar. But it’s better to prepare more than living miserably in a great city.
See you in Sydney, soon !

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Two (2) Types of People About Destiny

According to my opinion, in general, there are 2 kinds of people:
Type 1: All those people who believes that our destiny has been written on the rock, in other words, pre-determined.
Type 2: All those people who believes that we ourselves are the one in charge of our own destiny.

I am definitely the type 2 person. I believe, your decision that lead to your own action or in-action are the one that form your future, hence your destiny. All other people and object around you may influence or try to divert your direction, but at the end it is your own decision, yours only, nobody else…

Road Not Taken

In my opinion, the type 1 philosophy has a major flaw, it creates complacency (“a state on unconcern” or “self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies”).

For example: suppose we know that a man has destiny to die at 50 years old. If this destiny has been predetermined, no matter how hard he tried to live active and healthy it will not matter as at 50 he will die anyway. Or even worse, since he knows that he will die 50 years old, then he just don’t do anything at all, knowing he will die at 50 anyway.

For me , that is totally wrong. Let say that man has destiny to die at 50 years old now because he has bad health or lifestyle and all. But now he decided to turn it around, eat healthy, active lifestyle, do regular sport and become role model. Then because of this tremendous effort, the destiny need to be re-written and he will not die at 50, but maybe changes to 80 years.

Unfortunately, in reality, we have a little bit problem: we don’t know really what is our destiny. Hence people with type 1 and people with type 2 can argue with the same of randomness and no one can verify who is right.

Taking Responsibility

Therefore, let’s forget for a while about the 2 type of people above – maybe we can agree on something: responsibility.
Don’t you agree that people individually should be responsible about what they do or do not do? Of course, you agree with this, otherwise the civil order will be in chaos…

But funnily enough some people still don’t get this…. Have a watch for once or twice a TV series call “Airways” (which filmed day to day operation of Tiger Airways in Australia with its drama) and have a laugh. You will see the supposed to be civilized member of community swearing and abusing staff because the staff won’t let them in. Why? Because they come late… It doesn’t matter 1 minute or 15 minutes, due to accident or due to lack of parking space or any other excuse, when you’re late it’s your own fault. If you’re late 15 minutes due to some traffics, then it is purely your own fault: why don’t you depart 20 minutes earlier – which make you not late, isn’t it? Try to explain this logic to people, some will refuse to accept – because they don’t have the courage to accept their own responsibility.

On bigger note, how about if people got hurt due to a contractor of pedestrian pathway forget to close a manhole? Say, a man walk carelessly and fall into the hole and suffer a broken leg and he sues the city.  Yes, the worker who forget to close the manhole deserves  the sack for job incompetence, but as long as the injury, you need to ask who is responsible to look after yourself during walking in public? thousands of people walk the same spot without tripping or injured. Why? because they look their way, if there is trap on your way, people has enough intelligence to avoid it. So, if a man did not see the trap, can the responsibility of looking after your own path be transfered to the city ? Of course not!

Or people who sue McDonald because the hot coffee that her order was “too hot” and burn her skin as she spill it herself…Absurd isn’ it ?

Don’t get me wrong, I am not against a litigation. If a product is faulty and the impact of its faultiness cannot be determined until it gives up, then it deserve a litigation. For example: you use a laptop normally and suddenly the laptop explode injuring your body. Fill free to sue the maker, they deserve it – because there is no way you know that it will explode.

Common sense it a good indicator… Unfortunately, many people has skewed common sense that it become no longer making sense.

Many Roads to Choose From

The Road not Taken: Destiny ?

Now, let’s see about something in the past that you’re wondering, what if I took that decision ? – the road not taken. Is this part of your destiny?

I will say firmly, Yes. Because it’s done deal already – it has become history and become part of your life already, hence part of your destiny. And good or bad, you cannot deny this “destiny” – again it happened already.

And as we talk about responsibility above, you need to acknowledge that what has been happening, including the road not taken is directly a result of your own decision and action (or in-action) in the past. If you don’t like the result, then don’t make the same decision as it will lead to the same result (Remember definition of stupidity: doing the same over and over again but expecting different result?). But since you cannot go back in time and change your decision in the past, what you can do is to determine the better of your future.

Accept your past (your “destiny” in the past) and realize that you can make it better by making a better decision. Everything is up to you, not your parent, not your boss, not your financial planner, not your spouse… just you. Knowledge, religion, experience in the past will help you to make a better decision… If you are not sure, you can always ask the expert (don’t ask your friend, they are as clueless as you are) – ask your role model, ask your parent, ask your rabbi, priest or ustadz – if you are agree with what they say and want to do it, remember you will do it because you yourself decided to do it, not because your role model, your parent, your rabbi, your priest or your ustadz say so. Own the decision making! You will be more free !

I would like to end this heavy topic with a bit of intermezzo. With the boom of social networking sites, such as facebook or myspace, friendster and the like… The chance are that you have been reconnect with someone in the pass that probably near to become part of your history. Ex-girlfriend, would-be boyfriend, ex-boss that you argue with, that SOB from uni, etc.  Let us focus to the ex-girlfriend/boyfriend or would-be boyfriend/girlfriend in your past – that is your “road not taken”. Relate with the matter – focus. And then try to remember which decision of yours that actually make it un-taken. Dig deeper until you find that, yes… that’s because I – myself – decide that. (Westlife’s hit below could help you into the mood)

At the end you need to realize that, you are now is due to what you decided on the past. Once you reach this point you will be empowered and clearly see and understand that you can be in control of your future. And more so, never be worried again of all those road not taken.

Kachow !

If I let you Go

Westlife

Day after day
Time passed away
And I just can’t get you off my mind
Nobody knows, I hide it inside
I keep on searching but I can’t find

The courage to show to letting you know
I’ve never felt so much love before

And once again I’m thinking about
Taking the easy way out

But if I let you go I will never know
What my life would be holding you close to me
Will I ever see you smiling back at me?
How will I know
if I let you go?

Night after night I hear myself say
Why can’t this feeling just fade away
There’s no one like you (no one like you)
You speak to my heart (speak to my heart)
It’s such a shame we’re worlds apart

I’m too shy to ask, I’m too proud to lose
But sooner or later I gotta choose
And once again I’m thinking about
Taking the easy way out

But if I let you go I will never know
What my life would be, holding you close to me
Will I ever see you smiling back at me? (oh yeah)
How will I know
if I let you go ?

If I let you go oh baby
Once again I’m thinking about
Taking the easy way out

But if I let you go I will never know
What my life would be, holding you close to me
Will I ever see you smiling back at me?
How will I know
But if I let you go I will never know
Will I ever see you smiling back at me?
How will I know