Aileen Hoath

The Migration of Australians to Bali, Indonesia: More than Retirees and Surfers

The factors underpinning the migration of Australian residents to Bali, Indonesia, and the demographic characteristics of the Australian expatriate population in Bali are examined. It is argued that in undertaking a move to Bali, Australian expatriates are employing a deliberate strategy to utilise their existing financial resources and social networks to gain a lifestyle they perceive would not be available to them if they were to remain in Australia. However, it is also argued that there is considerable diversity in the factors underpinning migration decisions. Through a survey of 236 Australians living in Bali, it was found that a complex of place-based and non-place-based factors influenced migration decisions. It was also found that some factors underpinning migration were broadly associated with phase in the life course. While the survey identified only a minor overrepresentation of Australian retirees living in Bali, given the factors that were identified as underpinning migration to Bali, and with the large baby boomer population nearing retirement, it is probable that as Australias population ages, there will be further growth in the number and proportional share of older Australians living in Bali.

International Long-distance Commuting in the Resources Sector: Why Do Resource Workers Choose to Work in Australia but Live in Bali?

Growth during the recent boom in the number of Australian resources industry fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) workers choosing to work on Australian-based mines or oil and gas sites, but live outside of Australia, has attracted considerable media and public attention. However, until now, the motivations for entering into transnational FIFO arrangements from a foreign base, and the specific challenges and rewards that such decisions bring for both workers and their differently positioned spouses, have received little scholarly attention. This chapter explores the case of expatriate FIFO resources sector workers who are undertaking transnational commutes from Bali to worksites in Australia. It considers why Bali has emerged as their preferred home location. The chapter argues that in electing to engage in transnational FIFO arrangements, many are thinking strategically about balancing their income earning potential and conditions of employment while maximizing lifestyle possibilities for themselves and their families. This involves negotiating a complex, of often, contradictory priorities and expectations.

Long-distance commuting and dispersed socio-economic benefits of connectivity

ABSTRACT Long-distance commuting (LDC) in Australia has become an entrenched workforce practice. Work force mobility is not limited to the mining sector although for more than a decade, the scale of LDC in the resources industries has been contentious. A diverse range of workforce supply, logistical and employee preference reasons have contributed to the existence of LDC arrangements throughout Australia across many industry sectors. The economic and social consequences of LDC are also varied and complex. This article reports on research conducted with three case-study communities in rural, regional and remote locations where local residents regularly work long periods of time away from home (source communities) in the mining industry. The research analysed the socio-economic impacts on the workers, families, communities and businesses from source communities. Results show that LDC had benefits and by synthesising the key learnings of LDC, potential benefits for regional and community development are highlighted.

Aboriginal Mine Workers: Opportunities and Challenges of Long-Distance Commuting

Employment of Aboriginal people on mine sites and in other jobs which support mining activities, is a relatively recent phenomenon, largely brought about by agreements negotiated between traditional owners and mining companies. In return for access to land rich in mineral resources, companies are required to provide employment, business and other opportunities to owner groups and Aboriginal people. This chapter documents the experiences of Aboriginal people who commute from a regional location in Western Australia to mine sites a considerable distance away. For Aboriginal people, the opportunities and challenges of long-distance commuting are often amplified. This chapter discusses how a large mining company has facilitated the attraction and retention of Aboriginal employees while also addressing cultural and family needs, often at considerable distance from the workplace. Innovative practices have been developed with broader benefits beyond the mine site.