Credit references will be taken up from your British Banks and perhaps UK credit reference agencies (no frontiers for them-it's business!!). I would suggest that you start with a clean slate in Australia - it would be preferable to cut all ties with the UK (no postal or banking links) and start a new life in Australia and build up a new credit rating. Depending on your type of work/employer/employment contract you may not have to wait the obligatory three years fto build a new credit file. You can still send money to the UK via other methods (other than your new Australian bank account) if you still wish to?? If you go into an employed 'state' with a large employer and with a contract of employment, you will likely get a better bank account than our basic accounts. Some large employers can get/give assistance in obtaining mortgages & better banking facilities.