Australia no longer the land of opportunity

I HAVE just returned from a four-week trip to Australia and have seen first hand how the recession is having an effect there (Yes, it is truly worldwide).

Jobs are scarce and the few that are available are offered first to Australians, so finding any kind of employment is proving difficult.

The many visa agencies will disagree and pretend there is no recession there, but then they have a vested interest in continuing to process hundreds of visas per week, sending off young people (and indeed young families) to a very uncertain future.

Also, the Australian government insists you must have $6,000 dollars in an Australian bank account before you go. I can see the reasoning for this — you will need this money to support yourself if you do not find work. And if you need accommodation the minimum bond (deposit) is $2,500-$3,000 dollars and most accommodation on offer comes unfurnished.

So I urge anybody considering the move to be very careful and unless you are a backpacker travelling around on your gap year or have family there already, think long and hard before making the move.

Australia is no longer the wonderful land of opportunity it once was.

Margaret Smyth

Roseberry Hill

Rickardstown

Newbridge

Co Kildare