5 reasons to consider working in Brisbane
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Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland – also known as the Sunshine State, and with good reason.
Brisbane has an enviable climate (think year-round summer), and is perfectly located between two of Australia’s most popular coastal holiday destinations.
Add in a cosmopolitan lifestyle, an affordable property market and a buoyant economy, and there’s a lot to love about living and working in Brisbane.
1. A thriving employment market
Brisbane features a trio of distinct commercial hubs – including the central business district, the Trade Coast area encompassing Brisbane Airport and Port of Brisbane, and the South West Industrial Gateway, which services the broader South East Queensland area.
This diversity attracts a wide variety of businesses to Brisbane with the top three employing industries being healthcare; professional, scientific and technical services; and education and training.
A number of Australia’s leading publicly-listed companies are headquartered in Brisbane, operating in industries that span insurance and banking through to transport, travel, retail, and property. These businesses are supported by a variety of multinational professional services firms.
Related: Is it time for a career change?
The upshot is that Brisbane, and Queensland more broadly, has one of Australia’s highest employment to population ratios so people looking to live and work in Brisbane can enjoy valuable professional opportunities.
Similar to other metro areas in Australia, Brisbane is currently confronted with a skills shortage with many companies looking for suitably skilled talent in industries, such as tech and finance. Living and working in Brisbane can therefore open the door to fresh career opportunities, with the potential to broaden your experience and expand your skillset.
2. An affordable housing market
A key factor that makes working and living in Brisbane so appealing, is housing affordability. Despite being Australia’s third largest city, it costs considerably less to buy a home in Brisbane than in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, or Hobart.
level of affordability provides greater opportunities for Brisbane residents to enjoy the security and stability of home ownership. This is underpinning significant interstate migration to Brisbane with the city recording the fastest growth rate of any state capital in 2019-20.
Related: Why you need to consider living and working in Sydney?
3. A fantastic location
Queensland is something of a mecca for Australians chasing the sun, and Brisbane is ideally situated midway between the world-famous Gold Coast to the south, and the sophisticated Sunshine Coast to the north. It puts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches right on Brisbane’s doorstep.
The city is also well-served by an international airport, and Brisbane’s location makes it possible to reach key destinations, such as Hong Kong and Singapore in under nine hours. Other major Australian capitals, including Sydney and Melbourne are less than a 2-hour flight away.
Related: How to find the right job in Australia
4. One of the world’s top 10 most liveable cities
With its riverside lifestyle, and year-round pleasant climate, Brisbane offers a relaxed, informal lifestyle. It’s a safe, vibrant city, renowned for its friendliness and sense of optimism.
These advantages are reflected in Brisbane’s ranking as the 10th most liveable city in the world according to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index.
Related: Good reasons to consider working in Australia
5. A relaxed, outdoors lifestyle
The great outdoors plays a leading role in Brisbane’s lifestyle. Take a cruise along the Brisbane River, enjoy a picnic at one of Brisbane’s more than 2,160 parks and gardens, or head to the cosmopolitan South Bank area – home to Brisbane’s thriving arts scene. People also enjoy al fresco dining on the river’s edge, or exploring the city’s many boutique eateries serving everything from the freshest local seafood to international cuisines.
With a modern road network, and a public transport system voted Australia’s best, Brisbane offers fast and efficient transport links. For an even more relaxing commute, Brisbane has a range of cross-river transport options, including ferries, CityCats and the more intimate KittyCats.
Related: Why consider living and working in Perth?
How to find a job in Brisbane
Brisbane is facing a significant skills shortage, with anticipated job growth of up to 62% in a number of industries over the next five years. However, if you plan to move to Brisbane from overseas, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements that may apply in your circumstances.
The Australian Government provides online advice around the type of visa you will need based on how long you intend to stay and the type of work you’re seeking. A variety of work visas apply in Australia, from temporary and permanent visas to visas designed for innovation or select skilled occupations.
If you’re currently based in the UK, it’s helpful to know that Australia and the UK recently reached an Agreement in Principle for the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This is expected to make it easier for skilled professionals, including accountants and engineers to transfer and use their qualifications in the other country, and it could fuel a movement of skilled professionals between both countries.
An easy way to gain up-to-date insights into the Brisbane job market is to speak with our Robert Half consultants who can explain the job market for professionals across finance, technology, or recruitment. You may find there are immediate opportunities available in your chosen profession. Our experienced local area specialists can also share hints and tips on what to expect when you first arrive in Brisbane. It’s information that can help you settle in sooner, and make the most of everything Brisbane has to offer.
How to decide whether living and working in Brisbane is right for you
The idea of moving to a new city can be daunting no matter whether you’re arriving from another state or overseas. However, it’s also a decision that can enhance your quality of life and open new doors for your career.
Brisbane offers a wealth of possibilities, and it’s certainly worth understanding how living and working in Brisbane can help you advance your career.
Developing an understanding of Brisbane’s job market can help you make an informed decision, and there is plenty of high-quality information available to support your research. The Robert Half Salary Guide is a useful starting point, identifying those industries and sectors that are hiring, as well as the skills and qualifications that are in demand across the Brisbane job market.
Other resources that can help if you’re thinking about living and working in Brisbane include job search sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and SEEK, as well as websites from recruiters, such as the Robert Half website.
Alternatively, you may want to consider a career at Robert Half. It means joining a company that actively promotes work-life balance, with a commitment to your career development. From recruitment to corporate services, our talent solutions team are helping to build Brisbane’s booming finance and accounting, technology, and business support industries one person at a time.
