Yes, you will need insurance for the whole 12 month stay (you can book policies for a longer duration if you are visiting other countries before and after your Australian holiday). Read the policy cover details carefully to ensure you have the right level of protection, bad cover is worse than no cover at all.

OE recommend - www.travel-insurance-online.com. Their policies give you high cover at a low price, from as little as £199 you can be covered for the whole duration of your Australian holiday.

There is no specific government assistance given to working holiday makers on a holiday visa for working. However, the following information may be of some assistance to you:

finding employment - various ways to find employment include the "positions vacant" columns in newspapers, the Internet, word of mouth and job placement service providers (charges for this service apply);
for information on rates of pay and conditions, you should contact any Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) office. Alternatively, general information on wages and conditions can be obtained through the Internet;
the Australian Tourist Commission provides information on accommodation, attractions, tours, hiring/charter and transport needs.

Yes, you can. However you are not permitted to extend your employment beyond 3 months with any one employer through the use of business affiliates and/or sub-contracting arrangements or by using different employment agencies (to remain in the same job).

In practical terms, this means that you cannot work for longer than 3 months in the same position, in the same location, doing the same work. The main purpose of your visa should be to holiday and travel. Any working should be incidental to your holiday, and periods of work should be broken up by periods of holiday and travel.

Work condition 8108, which is attached to the Working Holiday visa, states that "the holder must not be employed in Australia by any 1 employer for more than 3 months, without the prior permission in writing of the Secretary (of the department)".

The main purpose of your visa should be to holiday and travel. Any work should be incidental to supplement funds; periods of work should be broken up by periods of holiday and travel.

Working beyond the three months without the required permission may result in your visa being cancelled and you may be required to leave Australia.