Health & Safety
Australia is generally a very safe place to live and study.
The 2011 OECD Better Life Index rated Australia 9.3 out of 10 for safety, one of the highest ratings awarded to any country.
But it is still important to look after yourself and be aware of the risks that exist - and ways to minimise them.
Which number would you call if there is an emergency:
000
911
141
If you picked the first one, you are correct!
How would you get home after a night out in the city?
👉 I'll figure it out when I need to leave
Make sure you think ahead and have a plan for getting home when you're out in the city!
👉 I have enough money in my account for an Uber home
Awesome, but remember Public transport might be cheaper for you as a plan B!
It might be a long distance into the city, how would you consider getting there?
👉 Taking a bus or train
Great idea! There are lots of public transport options. Find the timetable near you here.
👉 Taking an Uber/Taxi
Sounds good, you can also download the Uber app and track your ride with a friend.
👊 Student Privacy Policy
We hold our student's personal privacy to a high standard, and we understand the importance placed on the privacy of your personal information. We have a Privacy Policy that is accessible to all students. Read this policy to know how your information is collected and maintained.
By Australian law, we may also disclose your personal information or your enrolment information to Australian Government agencies such as:
Services Australia
The Department of Education or
Personal information disclosed to Australian Government agencies is protected by law in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.
For more information about the way Services Australia handles personal information, please see https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/privacy.
Stay Cyber safe ✔️
Because we are all spending extra time at home on our devices, we want to make sure you are aware of cyber safety and how you can stay safe online.
Remember to use your student email when communicating with us.
You should be using your student email account during your entire study at IMC. This includes communicating with departments and your lecturers.
Learn how to identify scams and potential risks online.
A scam message can be sent by email, SMS, social networking sites, or through communication applications, such as FaceTime. Some common online scams include fake parcel delivery scams, shopping scams and investment scams.
If a message asks you to click a link to ‘confirm’ your details, please be alert! We recommend students take this free Stay Smart Online program by the Australian Cyber Security Centre to stay secure and confident in this digital age.
Click here to get more information on how to avoid falling victim. If you think you have been scammed, you are not alone. Please contact us for support. You can also report a cybercrime to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
🏥 Health & Safety Services
The assistance and emergency networks in Australia are widespread and well equipped for any potential emergencies. Fire, ambulance and police services will be able to provide you with any health and safety assistance you may need.
Wherever you are in Australia, please call 000 (zero zero zero) if there’s a life-threatening emergency. It’s a free call, even from your mobile. An operator will answer and will ask which of the following services you need: Police, Fire, or Ambulance.
When you are out with friends or by yourself, here are some simple things you can do no matter what country you are in!
Keep your bag and belongings close to your body and where you can always see them
Leave valuables at home if you don't need to take them with you. This includes jewellery, electronic equipment such as iPads, and your passport.
Don't carry large amounts of money with you. You can access your money at ATMs found in shops, supermarkets, petrol stations and many other public locations.
If you don't have a mobile phone, make sure you have a phone card or money to make a phone call with.
Where available, use pedestrian walkways and cross the street at pedestrian crossings or lights.
NEVER hitchhike.
Catching Public Transport, Taxis and/or Ubers 🚊
Public transport is reliable and widely used in Australia, particularly in metro and suburban areas.
Several security measures have been implemented to maximise the safety of public transport users including security officers and guards, help points, good lighting, and security cameras. However, you should still use caution when travelling on public transport or using taxis.
Remember to wear a mask while using any public transport service to stay COVID safe.
Use our tips below to stay safe while travelling in and around the city 👇
Avoid isolated bus, train and tram stops.
Check transport timetables.
Train carriages nearest to the driver or guard are lit and safest at night.
It is safer to sit in the rear of a taxi.
Make sure you know the address of your destination before entering a taxi.
Tell the driver the route you would prefer to take to your destination.
Safety at home is important, no matter where you live.
Here are some tips to help keep you and your home safe.
Always keep your doors locked - both when you are home and when you go out.
Lock your windows when you go out, or in rooms you are not in while at home.
If you come home to find evidence of a break-in (broken window or door lock), contact the police from a safe location.
Be careful of the information you give out to strangers through the internet, on social networking sites, or over the phone. If you are not at home or on holiday, do not make this information available to strangers.
Don't let strangers into your house.
Smoke alarms are important. They will alert you when there is smoke or a fire in your house, so do not remove the batteries.
If you live in a rental property, hostel or hotel, it is the law to have smoke alarms fitted. If your property does not have one, talk to your landlord or real estate agent.
Consumer Protection 🛡️
We should also tell you a bit about Consumer Protection!
Australia has a strong consumer protection framework to protect the rights of Australian consumers, including international students in Australia.
The Australian Consumer Law includes a national law guaranteeing consumer rights when buying goods and services.
You should contact the relevant government trade and consumer agency in your state or territory if you:
Have a problem with a consumer good or service that you have bought or are considering buying.
Would like to make a complaint about a business.
Visit australia.gov.au to find the relevant government agency for where you are living and studying.
Overseas Students Ombudsman 🦸♂️
It is also important to know about the Overseas Students Ombudsman (OSO).
The ombudsman investigates complaints about problems that overseas students have with private education and training institutions in Australia.
The Ombudsman’s services are free, independent and neutral.
You can find out more about this service on their website: www.ombudsman.gov.au
Below is a link to the Ombudsman website for WA:
Western Australia Ombudsman - https://www.ombudsman.wa.gov.au/
Now let's move onto Mental Health & Wellbeing...