Question about Referees (Sydney)

Hi everyone,

I currently live in the United States, and I am moving to Australia as a skilled migrant. I will look for a job once I get to Australia, and I have a question about the job search process, particularly a reference check.

All my referees will be my former colleagues in the United States, and I am worried that Australian employers may not bother to contact my referees across the ocean. Would you suggest I collect recommendation letters from my colleagues while I am in the United States and present these letters at job interviews in Australia? Is this a common practice among migrants when they arrive in Australia?

It would be helpful if you could share your job search experience with me.

Thank you,

Kay