Climate
Although the climate of Australia varies from tropical (monsoonal) in the north to cool temperate in Tasmania, the majority of the country is hot and dry. The tropical northern coastal region has two main seasons: a hot, wet season with summer rains falling mainly in February and March, when the North-western monsoons prevail; and a warm dry winter season characterized by the prevalence of south-easterly trade winds.

Education
The country has a range of education systems and services from early childhood to later education. Schooling is compulsory in AUSTRALIA for all children from their sixth until their 16th birthday. The tertiary education system includes universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Health
Australia's public hospital system is funded by both the Commonwealth, and State or Territory Governments, and is administered by the State and Territory health departments. Public hospitals are located throughout Australia and provide a wide range of medical care for patients. Private hospitals are located in all States and Territories of Australia. These hospitals usually provide a range of in-hospital services for patients, similar to those outlined in Public Hospitals above. Private hospitals also offer Day Care medical services.

Legal System
Australia is a stable democracy, with compulsory voting for those over 18 years of age ensuring a representative government. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of any democracy and Australians have no hesitation in expressing their views on political and controversial issues.

Public Holidays
There are eleven public holidays in the year.

Employment
Employment and working conditions are strictly legislated in Australia through the Workplace Relations Act 1996. Under this Act, employees are guaranteed the right of freedom of association, i.e., they are free to join a trade union or any other organisation.

Working conditions, minimum rates of pay, allowances, overtime, hours of work, holiday/sick leave and so forth are either covered by federal or state awards, collective agreements between an employer and a group of employees, or an individual workplace agreement.