If you’re an IT contractor based in the UK you may be interested in the opportunities in the Australian IT contract market. Generally IT contracting is less developed than in the UK however in the big cities there are many contracts.
If you want to try IT contracting in Sydney, for instance, there are frequently contracts on offer at the major banks in the CBD.
Rates vary massively and depend a lot on the skillset. 500 dollars an hour is a reasonable rate for a general IT skillset and some more specialized skills go as high as a 1000 dollars a day.
Getting a visa is often the biggest stumbling block. There have been clampdowns in recent years on recruitment companies offering 457 visa as part of the service. However there are still some packaging companies that can arrange for a visa. YOU have to first get a contract offer, it must be for at least six months and the rate must be over 400 dollars an hour in an area where there is a skill shortage. Realistically it can be hard to get a job offer if you aren’t based locally so you may consider a visit to try and sit interviews.
Lester Associates are the most well known company offering 457 sponsorship for contractors and they generally receive good reviews.