This week, over 16,000 people from 144 countries have taken the pledge to become an Australian citizen to mark Australia Day.

Ceremonies were held across the country on the 26^th January. In New South Wales, 3600 people became citizens. In Wanneroo, Western Australia, the largest citizenship ceremony in Australian history was held. 2600 people became Australian citizens at this event. South Australia’s ceremony was staged at the Adelaide Oval during the one-day international cricket match. Ceremonies were also held in Tasmania, Victoria, the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Minister for Australian Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans said: ‘becoming an Australian citizen is an exciting step that shows commitment and loyalty to this country and the desire to share a common future. Australian citizenship ceremonies provide the newest members of our nation with an opportunity to make a formal commitment to this country and to celebrate what it means to be an Australian citizen’.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that 2009 was the worst year for air freight and air passenger traffic in the post-war era. IATA Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani said: ‘2009 goes into the history books as the worst year the industry has ever seen’.  

Air freight volume fell by 10.1% and air passenger traffic fell by 3.5% compared to 2008. The average load factor of flights (i.e. how full a flight is in terms of passengers and freight) was 77.6%.   

There was a marginal improvement in December 2009, but overall 2010 looks to be a tough year for airlines once again as they struggle to balance demand and capacity whilst keeping costs under control and accommodating new security challenges.

IATA has stated that airlines around the world collectively lost £6.8 billion last year and further large losses are predicted for this year also.

IATA is an international trade organisation which represents over 230 airlines across the world, covering over 90% of global air traffic.

Australians celebrated their official national holiday yesterday. Australia Day is held on the 26^th January every year and is a public holiday where various events and festivals are held across the country.

In Sydney, residents enjoyed a tall ships race, a ferry race, a fireworks display, an indigenous dancing show, a music concert and a huge barbecue in Hyde Park. In Melbourne, there was a parade and swimmers competed in the Great Australia Day Swim from Middle Brighton Pier. Brisbane staged a festival with free workshops, fireworks, music and dancing. The state of Queensland also put on entertainment shows and hosted a public barbecue.

On a national level, the Order of Australia awards were held and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made an address to the nation.

Australia Day is held to mark the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 when the first settlement was established and British sovereignty was claimed. Although the festival is popular across the country, there is some opposition to the celebrations from Indigenous Australians and other groups who see the day as ‘Invasion Day’ and protests can occur. Recently however, Indigenous events are extensively included in Australia Day celebrations and the theme of multiculturalism is promoted.

According to the Halifax House Price Index, the average house price in the UK in October 2009 was £165,528 – an increase of 1.2% from September 2009. Overall, house prices in the UK have risen by 7.1% since the lowest point in April 2009.

Mortgage approval ratings have also improved, in October 2009, approvals were 68% higher than in September 2008.

‘Relocation: Phil Down Under’, a new TV programme, will be aired on Channel 4 over the next few months. In the series, property expert and presenter Phil Spencer will be helping British families plan their move to Australia.

Phil Spencer uses his knowledge of the Australia property market to help four families start a new life in Australia. Apart from searching for properties, the programme also aims to provide practical emigration advice whilst at the same time showcasing the benefits of living in Australia.     

Over 40,000 people a year emigrate to Australia from the UK. It is a popular destination in particular for families with young children due to its family friendly cities and outdoor lifestyles. The climate and lower costs of living are also major attractions.  

Having one of the coldest winters on record makes Australia’s sunny climate seem even more appealing to people in the UK. In an article for the Times newspaper, Phil Spencer wrote: ‘A new decade prompts dreams of fresh starts, and if the economic gloom and the coming election aren’t enough to make you think of leaving Britain, the recent bout of freezing weather may just have pushed you over the edge’. The programme begins on Friday 22^nd January at 8pm.

In response to the earthquake crisis in Haiti, The Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has announced that it will expedite visa applications from Haitians who currently have family living in Canada. Haitians currently living in Canada will also be able to have their visas extended.

Minister for Citizenship and Immigration, Minister Kenney stated: “I want to express my deepest sympathy and support for the people of Haiti. Canada has welcomed a large community of Haitians to this country and is working to reunite families affected by this disaster as quickly as possible. Haitian nationals who are currently in Canada will also benefit from special measures.’

The European Union has announced that it is prepared to take legal action against the UK government over a debate about disability living allowances. At present, the UK government are refusing to pay disability living allowances to UK citizens living overseas in an EU country. The European Court of Justice ruled in 1997 that disability allowances should be paid by the home country to individuals living abroad in an EU member state. The European Commission has stated that unless Britain co-operates by the end of January 2010, ministers will be taken to court to resolve the issue.  

Under current UK legislation, expatriates who currently live abroad on a permanent basis are not entitled to claim Disability Living Allowance. However, UK nationals temporarily living abroad are entitled to claim benefits. There are currently around 2,000 people living overseas who would be able to claim for disability payments if the law is changed.

The number of job advertisements published in newspapers in New South Wales has increased by 56%. The rise in vacancies is the biggest growth since 2007. Across all Australian states, the number of job vacancies has also increased by around 30%.

The survey was carried out by the Australian and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ Bank). The job surge is a positive indicator that Australian employers are optimistic about the strength of the Australian economy for this year, good news for anyone considering a move to Australia.

Economists have warned however that although the rise in job advertisements is clearly a healthy sign, many of the jobs published are temporary positions and an increase in the number of permanent jobs would be a more encouraging indicator of economic confidence.

France has been voted the best country in the world for quality of life according to a new survey by travel magazine International Living. The country has been top of the index for the last five years running.

In the survey, 194 countries were ranked. The yearly questionnaire is undertaken to find the best place in the world to live overseas. Nine categories are taken into account, including cost of living, infrastructure, economy, environment, freedom, health, safety, leisure and culture.   

Australia came second in the league, followed by Switzerland, Germany, New Zealand, Luxembourg, the United States, Belgium, Canada and Italy. The UK has fallen to 25^th in the ‘Quality of Life Index’, receiving low scores not surprisingly for climate and also for cost of living.  

The index was complied using statistical data from the Economist, the World Health Organisation and other sources combined with subjective views from the magazine’s editors.

The Association of Customs Officers in Chile (ANFACH) has announced a strike causing delays to inbound shipments. The industrial action began on the morning of Tuesday 5^th January and there are currently no indications of when the strike will be over.Therefore, until the matter is resolved, shipments will not be cleared at Chilean ports.

The strike is due to unrest within customs employees over retirement benefits and working hours.