Pending changes to backpacker visa costs will hurt regional Australia – according to local Federal MP, Tony Pasin
From tomorrow those applying for working holiday maker visas will be slugged $640 – said to be the highest fee visa for its type in the world.
There’s also concern a review may see it revert to one year – and cut the regional work element completely.
Local Liberal MP, Tony Pasin said many employers in Barker relied on backpackers to fill labour shortages and local communities welcomed backpackers to spend their earnings locally.
Adding further “At a time when regional communities are crying out for workers, increasing the cost of the visa, and considering reducing its length to one year and removing the regional work requirements just beggar’s belief,”
