Hello

I am on a 457 visa and am currently in receipt of the Living away from home allowance. 

My basic understanding of this Tax allowance is that it is to assist with the costs of relocating to the other side of the world to help Australia's skills shortage.  Until you are a Permanent Resident, you are not entitled to the use of Medicare, other social benefits like Centrelink and have to pay School Fees for your children in New South Wales.  If you do not get access to these services, why should you pay full income tax like other Australian Permanent Residents who have the full access to these services?

It also seems highly unfair that these changes are being enacted with only approximately 6 weeks notice, with no transitional relief for people who are claiming this benefit.  I will have to try to find cheaper accomdation (very difficult in Sydney!) but I have a rental agreement that is in place until early next year!  It is understandable to make changes to the tax system, but I will be approx $800 per month worse off, with no time to adjust my outgoings before the changes are brought in.

I am now seriously considering a return to my home country.
I look forward to hearing an explanation as to how this is acceptable.  It seems that transitional relief is being brought in for Australians claiming the benefit but not 457 visa holders which is surely discriminatory?

Best regards

Tom Agar.