Glossary

The Australian acronyms, slang, and bureaucratic terms that get assumed in government forms, job ads, and rental listings. Plain English, with the stuff newcomers usually get wrong.

• TFN (Tax File Number)Your unique 9-digit personal reference for the Australian tax system, issued by the ATO.
• ABN (Australian Business Number)An 11-digit number that identifies a business or sole trader to the government and to other businesses.
• SparkieAustralian slang for a licensed electrician.
• Bond (rental security deposit)A refundable deposit, usually 4 weeks' rent, lodged with a state authority at the start of a tenancy.
• EOFY (End of Financial Year)Australia's financial year ends 30 June. Most personal tax returns are due 31 October if self-lodging.
• Medicare cardGovernment-issued health card for Australian permanent residents and citizens, giving access to subsidised healthcare.
• Bulk-billedA doctor's appointment where the doctor accepts the Medicare rebate as full payment — you pay nothing on the day.
• CentrelinkThe federal government agency that pays welfare and family payments (operated by Services Australia).
• Strata (and strata fees)The shared ownership and management arrangement for apartments and townhouses. Fees pay for building maintenance, insurance, and shared facilities.
• Salary sacrificeAn arrangement where you give up part of your pre-tax salary in exchange for a benefit (often super contributions or a novated car lease).
• Super (Superannuation)Australia's compulsory retirement savings system. Employers must pay a percentage (currently 11.5%, rising to 12% in 2025) of your wage into a super fund.
• Myki / Opal / Go CardPublic transport smartcards. Myki = Victoria, Opal = NSW, Go Card = Queensland, Metrocard = SA, smartrider = WA. Each state runs its own.
• Share houseA house or apartment rented by multiple housemates who each pay a share of the rent and bills. Common starting point for newcomers.
• Rental application (the 100-point check)Australian rentals are competitive — landlords want documented proof you can pay. Identity, income, and rental history evidence is collected via a real-estate-agent application form.
• REA / property managerReal estate agent. In rentals they're the property manager — your contact for repairs, rent payments, inspections.
• Postcode (the AU four-digit one)Four digits, e.g. 2000 (Sydney CBD), 3000 (Melbourne CBD). Used by every form, every package, every bank statement.
• Bond clean / end-of-lease cleanThe cleaning required when you leave a rental, to the standard the agent will accept for full bond return.
• GP (General Practitioner)Your first point of contact for non-emergency health issues. You need a GP referral to see most specialists in Australia.
• RBA / cash rateReserve Bank of Australia. Sets the cash rate that banks use to price your home loan. Decides every six weeks (first Tuesday of month).
• Stamp dutyState tax on property purchases. Roughly 4–5% of purchase price, varies by state.
• Amber flag (real estate listings)An informal warning — when a listing screams red flag potential without quite being one. Photos taken at night, vague address, owner asking for cash deposit upfront.
• FWO (Fair Work Ombudsman)Federal agency that enforces minimum employment standards — wages, leave, sham contracting. Free to contact.
• RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)A short course + certificate required for any job serving alcohol — bars, restaurants, bottle shops.
• myGovSingle sign-on portal connecting you to ATO, Medicare, Centrelink, immigration. The login system every Australian uses for government.
• NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)Government scheme funding supports for Australians with permanent disability.
• Negative gearingWhen the cost of holding an investment property (interest, rates, repairs) exceeds the rental income, and the loss reduces your taxable income.
• CGT (Capital Gains Tax)Tax on the profit when you sell an asset (shares, investment property, crypto).
• Fortnightly payThe standard pay cycle in Australia — every two weeks. Most awards (industry pay agreements) and Centrelink payments are fortnightly.
• Annual leave loadingMany awards require employers to pay an extra 17.5% on top of your normal pay while you're on annual leave.
• Long service leavePaid leave that accrues after long employment with the same employer (typically 7+ years).
• PHR (Public hospital)Public hospital — Medicare covers your treatment as a public patient. No bill at the end.
• AFL / NRL / A-LeagueAFL = Australian Football League (Aussie rules). NRL = National Rugby League. A-League = soccer/football.