'Work and play' lifestyle to attract young workers

The federal government has launched a new $7 million campaign to attract young people from overseas to work and holiday in Australia.

The Work and Play the Aussie Way campaign encourages the uptake of Working Holiday Maker visas by young people from the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan and Republic of Korea.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the Australian visitor economy and fill vital skill gaps in the tourism and hospitality industries.

“Working Holiday Makers largely spend what they earn in Australia, which is why in 2019 they contributed $3.2 billion to our visitor economy, representing seven per cent of total visitor spend,” Mr Tehan said.

“These young travellers generally stay longer, spend more and visit two or more destinations around the country as they combine work with travel.

“Importantly, more Working Holiday Makers in Australia in the immediate term will help to ease some of the current workforce pressures that are being felt by businesses in tourism, hospitality and other sectors.”

The new campaign promotes the visa application refund for those who arrive to work in Australia between 19 January-9 April 2022.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke MP said these temporary measures are intended to address workforce shortages, and to help businesses - particularly those in the hospitality industry - to continue delivering goods and services to the Australian community.

“Visa Application Charge refunds and priority visa processing, together with the Work and Play the Aussie Way campaign, will generate fresh interest in Australia from Working Holiday Makers who contribute greatly to our economy and fill vital skills gaps,” Mr Hawke said. 

Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is also running a $3 million campaign to attract more international students, promoting that the AUD$630 visa application fee will be rebated for fully vaccinated international student visa holders who arrive in Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 March 2022.