Backpackers given green light to help with bushfire recovery

Foreign backpackers and others on working holiday visas will be able to help bushfire-affected communities get back on their feet following changes announced by the Morrison Government.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the new rules for working holiday visas would be welcome news to farmers and regional businesses.

“These hard-working Australians have been hit by the recent bushfires, but from today they can employ backpackers for six months longer, helping them at a critical time in the recovery effort,” Mr. Tudge said

“It means working holidaymakers can help rebuild homes, fences and farms, they can get onto properties and help with demolition, land clearing, and repairing dams, roads and railways.”

The new measures will mean working holidaymakers who come to Australia with money to spend, will help boost local economies and also spend money they earn in Australia, in the fire-affected towns where they work.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said these arrangements would provide a much needed boost to fire-affected communities around Australia.

“These arrangements build on the Morrison Government’s $76 million tourism recovery package announced last month to help get tourists back into our fire-affected regions and supporting recovery efforts,” Minister Birmingham said.

Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said those coming to help from overseas will be greeted with open arms.

Original source: DFAT
Published on 17 February 2020