Northern Australia will benefit from changes to Work and Holiday visas being introduced from 19 November 2016.
The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said that Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa holders who undertake three months' work in Northern Australia in tourism and hospitality or agriculture, forestry and fishing will be eligible to apply for a second Work and Holiday visa.
Mr Dutton said. "Tourism and agriculture are key industries for Northern Australia and they often require more workers in their peak seasons. These changes will entice more young people to experience Northern Australia and support these vital sectors. This change will provide an incentive for these young mobile visa holders to visit and work in Northern Australia as part of their 12 month visa. The spending by these visa holders while they stay in Northern Australia will also provide important economic benefits."
The Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said the measure delivers on another commitment from the Coalition Government's White Paper on Developing Northern Australia. Senator Canavan said "Our Government is the first to implement a practical agenda to develop the north, not only to drive investment and create new jobs, but also to ensure that people who live in the north have the same economic opportunities as the rest of Australia, This new measure will contribute to Australia's attractiveness as a top destination for backpackers and help support local seasonal businesses."
Applicants will be able to apply online and will need to meet all legislative requirements including age, health and character requirements.
Work undertaken prior to 19 November 2016 will not be counted towards the three-month work requirement as the reform is intended to encourage additional Work and Holiday visa holders to spend time living and working in Australia's north.
The changes apply to work undertaken in Northern Australia broadly including all of the Northern Territory and those parts of Western Australia and Queensland above the Tropic of Capricorn.
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