State of the Union 1st Quarter 2008

Fellow Bruneians,

Another year, another increase in prices in consumer goods. With the increasing oil prices, we are facing a momentum of price hikes across the board. This was another summer of disappointment as we've failed to get allowances increase, it seems we have to brace for another year of high overhead costs for everything. For government and self funded students, we wish you luck, respect. For those who are considering, please reconsider.

Most noticeably when you arrive in Sydney is the increase in public transport fares for the 4th consecutive year. It now costs $3 one way to the city and $1.80 to nearby suburbs. Even good ol oporto has seen a 10% price increase. A similar price increase can be noticed with general everyday items with fruits still remained unchanged. However, fun items like clothes and useless stuff are actually getting cheaper. Thank god for Nasi Goreng, menu prices are unchanged.

Housing is now also major issue at the moment. I don't know what in the world happened but it seems that getting decent priced house is more competitive than getting good marks. With Asqa and Hadee still struggling to find a place and having 10 groups of people showing up for a housing inspection, it really reflects how tight situation is. Aside from the overwhelming demand, average housing rent has certainly gone up over the years.

With regards to analysis of the housing situation, Asqa has quoted, "Baie kali eh..."
With regards to advice for late comer students finding a house, Economist Airul was quoted saying "You guys are f**ked"

In 2004, it was approximately A$170/per week per person for the Kingsford area and you can secure one just a week before session starts, now the listings are showing an average price of A$190-$250/week per person. Living outside uni boundaries is starting to look like it's not an option anymore, start considering far suburbs and transport costs.

How are situations in the surroundings of Ryde near Macquarie Uni, Abib? *nudge nudge*

If you are planning to move out for next year and save up, then i seriously recommend staying at University apartments. The university housing price rates are still way below street average and are more stable. Priority for Barker apartments is given to International students, so hopefully you'll be able to get it. Applications for Barker apartments for next year closes every August. If you are looking for catered apartments, there is the Shalom college, tight-prison like rooms but i was informed you can get halal food (they'll end up serving you vegetarian food, i bet).

for more info go to the Housing Office Website

For new 1st year juniors, with you coming so crazily late. You better start praying for easy accommodation.

Another thing to consider is to consider is the 26 year high for the Aussie dollar versus the US dollar. To those who are still holding to the *ahem ahem*, now is definitely not the time to exchange them as street prices will rip you out for a nearly 1:1 exchange rate. The same thing for Bruneian dollars, DO NOT exchange your Bruneian money in Australia. Current exchange rate, even at the Casino is around 1.5-1.6 to the dollar. If you have Bruneian money, exchange it on a midweek in Brunei, estimated to be about 1.35 to the dollar.

Cheerios, Hope you guys have a good picture of Sydney before coming here. I'll look forward to see everyone.

For BASS news,
Airul

State of Sydney - 2nd Quarter 2007

Dear Comrades,

These are indeed more difficult times we are facing here in Sydney. Australia is suffering from the worst drought since reliable records in 1910. in In an alarming statement by Prime Minister John Howard last week, he would cut water supplies for agricultural irrigation if there aren't any sufficient rain within 2 weeks. From here, stems 2 major problems:

a) Global warming is apparent. And its time to stop putting blame on oil companies and blame consumerism instead. Cutting down forests, gas emissions, oil companies dont do it. it's consumerism. hail multinational oil corporations, hail shell, hail Jeroen van der veer.

b) Aside from that, this means that water supplies would be cut for agricultural purposes in the Murray Darling Basin, which supplies half of Australia needs. Do you remember when bananas shot up to $14/kg last year? Well, imagine all veges costing that much. We will all eat junk, and get fat together, which is already sexy. An apple could cost $2.00 each, suddenly eating healthy isnt sexy.

Prime Minister John Howard is adamant about keeping the low interest rates. This means we would surely expect the continuation of consumer price hike. Economist for Consumer Goods Division, Sulhi highlighted this worrying trend. This was also highlighted by '60 Minutes show' where everyday goods have risen by 20% since last year. E.g. toilet paper has increased by 50%. I Kid you not, those paper towels are getting expensive, my god. I'm contemplating to use my GEOS and CEIC notes instead, the cheap ones feel like the GEOS and CEIC notes anyway.

Furthermore, wth current market of the housing industry, rent is going to be up between 10-40% pending on area. Randwick city being one of the most densely populated, would expect sharp rent price.

Recommendations:
a) If your place is below 190/week, stay there unless you find a sweeter deal somewhere else.
b) If your place is below 175/week, unless its a roach infested whorehouse, you have got to be crazy to move out.
c) It's good to consider university accomodation. Eventhough you wont live with each other, but that's alright, i suppose.

BASS