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Moves to Australia surge as British police constables take advantage of recruitment drive

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Published

July 1, 2025

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South Australia Police on horse back

The UK’s leading relocation firm, John Mason International, is reporting a surge in Australia relocations since the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Director, Simon Hood, explains this increase as partly being driven by recently launched recruitment campaigns by Australian public sector bodies tempting Brits with comprehensive packages and career opportunities.

For instance, the South Australia Police international recruitment drive targets experienced officers, from across the UK and Republic of Ireland, with a desire to move down under. Open to officers under the age of 45 with sufficient experience, the effort sees constables, transfer their experience and policing career to sunny South Australia. With comprehensive packages and support – to date, the campaign has proven a massive hit.

Constables of varied experience can transfer to South Australia, followed by a short period of retraining to become embedded officers within states policing service. Campaigns like this have fuelled John Mason International’s surge of relocations down under as the organisation reports a 196% increase in relocations to the country since the COVID-19 pandemic.

External factors have also contributed to this picture. Post-COVID, Australia saw an economic bounce while the UK has continued to lag behind. According to Georank, Australia saw a cumulative GDP growth of 8.75% – a rate 3.5 times higher than the UK.

Growth of household income isn’t faring much better either. Five years on from Britain’s spate of national lockdowns and economic contractions, the ‘cost-of-living crisis’ remains Brits’ top concern, highlighted in recent data from More in Common.

This uncertainty is what’s leading many working-age Brits to ponder whether the grass really is greener abroad. A survey from the British Council found 72% of 18–32-year-olds are considering leaving the UK in the coming years, as schemes like SAPOL’s expand.

Simon Hood, Executive Director of John Mason International, says: “Now more than ever, Brits are realising their potential and the feasibility of relocating abroad.

“Factors like the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and jobs market are also driving this change. But the process of moving itself has also become easier, I’d recommend searching on government websites, local authority bodies, and organisations themselves to find similar types of opportunities.”

From 2022, first Western Australia, now several states have sought to expand policing numbers, with a top tool at their disposal being the ‘International Recruitment drive’.

Offering a competitive salary between $109,724 – $119,244 AUD per annum, the luxury to nominate posting preferences, six weeks of annual leave, and recognition of prior service – the opportunities to advance your career down under have never been better.

“As someone who’s made the move from the UK myself, I know firsthand how life-changing the decision can be – and how important it is to feel supported through the process. South Australia Police’s (SAPOL) international recruitment drive goes beyond an offer to move a policing career to South Australia; SAPOL also covers the cost of a permanent visa for both the officer and their family, supports a smooth transition into our policing environment, and provides a genuinely rewarding work-life balance. All of this is set against the backdrop of South Australia’s stunning landscapes, warm climate and relaxed lifestyle – it’s a move that truly pays off, professionally and personally.” said Chief Inspector Scott Collins of South Australia Police

South Australia also remains one of the most affordable states in the entire country. Playing hosts to bustling cities like Adelaide, or the wine regions of Barossa & Clare Valley – the scenic vistas and higher incomes make it an obvious choice for Brits.

Simon concludes: “Moving abroad to start a new life is certainly exciting but not new. What’s new here is the ease of transferring a previously very contained career halfway across the world. Schemes like this are becoming increasingly common globally, for Brits looking for a fresh start and career opportunities – this is an obvious choice.”

For more information about the South Australia Police international recruitment drive, please visit https://sapol.info/InternationalApply