Victoria could see an increase in working holiday makers after the Federal Government launched a global $10 million campaign to attract more to Australia.
National’s Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said the campaign builds on the Coalition’s recent reform package, which will make Australia a world-leading destination for young people to undertake a working holiday.
“Combined with Australia’s natural beauty and safety, conditions are ripe for a backpacker boost.
“I held talks during the recent election campaign on the backpacker issue and I am glad that this is now settled and farmers and hospitality operators can look forward to a regular supply of labour this season,” Senator McKenzie said.
Key highlights of the Government’s reform package include:
•offering working holiday makers the highest post-tax income among comparable countries with a tax rate at 19 per cent;
•allowing more tourists to become working holiday makers, with the age limit increasing from 30 to 35 years old;
•reducing visa application charges for working holiday makers by $50 to $390; and
•allowing working holiday makers to work for the same employer for 12 months, provided the second six months is in a different region.
Senator McKenzie said the three-year campaign will target the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy to boost the number of working holiday maker arrivals.
“The campaign, by Tourism Australia, invites young people around the world to come to Australia for a life-changing experience, working and holidaying in our beautiful country,”
Senator McKenzie said backpackers are an important part of Australia’s tourism industry; with more than 320,000 working holiday makers spending around $3 billion in Australia in the last year.
“I’ll be working with local tourism operators to ensure our state makes the most of this new campaign,” Senator McKenzie said.
Senator Bridget McKenzie
Nationals Senator for Victoria
