Provided by Mercer: 11/6/08
Australian and New Zealand cities have continued to lead worldwide quality of living standards, making them attractive destinations for overseas expatriates, Mercer’s 2008 Worldwide Quality of Living Index has found.
- Australia and New Zealand dominate top of rankings, joined by European cities
- Zurich scores highest for overall quality of living; Baghdad, the lowest
Major Australian and New Zealand cities rank amongst the world’s top 35 cities for overall quality of living and dominate the rankings within the Asia Pacific region.
Mercer’s head of information product solutions, Mr Rob Knox, said the results were great news for Australian employers trying to attract overseas workers to help ease pressure on the worst skills shortage this country has ever seen.
“Mercer’s quality of living index helps employers and governments compensate employees relocating in the international job market based on the quality of living in the respective city, but it also sends a message to employees looking for an international assignment.
“The fact that our cities enjoy among the best standards of living in the world reinforces the attractiveness of Australia for workers and for multi-national organisations – at a time when Australian employers need skilled overseas workers more than ever,” said Mr Knox.
Mercer’s analysis is based on an evaluation of 39 quality of living criteria for each city including political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport and other public services. The survey covers 215 cities and is conducted to help governments and major companies when placing employees on international assignments. Cities are compared to New York as the base city, with an index score of 100.
Australia and New Zealand
In Australia, Sydney, ranked 10th this year, scoring 106.3 points; Melbourne, Perth and
Adelaide held their positions at 17th place (scoring 104.8 points), 21st place (104.3 points) and 29th place (103 points) respectively. Brisbane scored 102.4 points to come in at 34th place this year - still above New York, the base city.
New Zealand cities also ranked favourably and remained consistent. Auckland again scored among the world’s top five cities, at 107.3 points, and Wellington at 12th place, scored 105.8 points.
More information
For more information on Mercer’s 2008 Worldwide Quality of Living Index, visit mercer.com.au.
This information has been prepared by Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 32 005 315 917 for general information only. The information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should not act on this information if you have not considered the appropriateness of this information to your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. You should consult a licensed or appropriately authorised financial adviser before making any investment decision.
