15 Jan 2019 | Media Release
Australia’s peak body of tourism organisations, Australian Chamber-Tourism, is concerned by reports today that the Unions would be applying strong pressure on a possible Labor Government to wind back the Working Holiday Maker Scheme.
Australian Chamber-Tourism Executive Chair, John Hart said, “the Working Holiday Maker Visa Program is not only a vital source of labour for the tourism sector, it is a vital source of tourism revenue, particularly in the regions.”
“Working Holiday Makers spend approximately two and a half times more than they earn, and create over 25,000 jobs in the Australian economy.
“The ACTU’s proposals to cap numbers and abandon the second year of the Visa totally, ignore the benefits of the program and the importance of Working Holiday Makers to regional economies.
“On average Working Holiday Makers spend over $10,000 per trip in Australia. Much of this spend is in regions, particularly for those Working Holiday Makers that are working toward their second year Visa.”
“Recent changes by the Government to increase caps in a number of Countries and add a third year to the Visa under certain conditions, acknowledge the importance of Working Holiday Makers to the economy. The ACTU are clearly blind to these realities.
“In a major migration statement, Migration Works for All of Us, released last month the Australian Chamber pointed out, the Working Holiday Maker is a key part of a total migration program that fits Australia’s particular need.
“The jobs Working Holiday Makers fill in regional Australia are often short term and seasonal, and there simply are not enough job seeking Australians who are willing to move for that type of work.
“Often the focus with the Working Holiday Maker Program is its importance to the agricultural sector, but for tourism, the program is as much about tourism spend as it is about supplementing the workforce. Any attack on the program would be a direct attack on Australia’s stand-out industry performer, tourism.”
5/12/2019
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry urges the Government to keep its eyes on the needs of small business, while welcoming the re-organisation of government...
4/12/2019
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes the reintroduction of the Fair Work (Ensuring Integrity No. 2) Bill 2019 into the Parliament this morning....
4/12/2019
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry urges the Federal, State and Territory Governments to work together at the next COAG Education Council meeting to...
4/12/2019
While the modest improvement in GDP growth in the September quarter is a positive sign the health of the Australian economy is improving, the Australian Chamber...
29/11/2019
The decision by the Australian Senate to reject the Ensuring Integrity Bill will suffocate small businesses who don’t have the money or muscle to withstand...
26/11/2019
The Australian Chamber congratulates the Coalition Government for securing Parliament’s support for the Peru, Indonesia, and Hong Kong Free Trade Agreements. In particular, ACCI welcomes...
25/11/2019
It is time for the ACTU to stop the deliberate untruths and concocted misrepresentations on the impact of the Ensuring Integrity Bill. Today the ACTU, along...
22/11/2019
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes the release of proposed amendments to the Fair Work Amendment (Ensuring Integrity) Bill. “These are sensible amendments...
21/11/2019
The newest deregulation reform unveiled by the Coalition Government is a welcome initiative which will start to relieve unnecessary burden on business, particularly small and medium enterprises....
21/11/2019
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging the COAG Skills Ministers to focus on finding solutions that will deliver increased funding for Vocational Education and...
21/11/2019
The COAG Energy Council must address Australia’s beleaguered eastern energy markets at its meeting in Perth tomorrow with the goal of restoring conditions for a...
5/11/2019
Australian business stands to reap huge rewards from one of the world's largest free trade agreements, after Australian negotiators successfully concluded trade talks today. Negotiations...
31/10/2019
Australian workplaces, in coordination with health, social and justice services, play an important role in supporting the mental health of Australians and the Australian Chamber is...
30/10/2019
The Australian economy continues to weather global uncertainly, with inflation edging upwards to 1.7 per cent in the Consumer Price Index for the year to September....
28/10/2019
New cruise ship destinations and an increase in the number of days cruising passengers are spending in regional areas has helped buoy Australian regional tourism in the...
25/10/2019
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging the Parliament to accept today's Senate Committee recommendation to pass the Ensuring Integrity Bill when it is...
24/10/2019
ACCI welcomes the appointment of Adam Boyton to the vital role of the Interim National Skills Commissioner in order to address the critical need to...
10/10/2019
The Australian Chamber is pleased the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has recommended the Parliament ratifies Australia's free trade agreements with Indonesia and Hong Kong....
10/10/2019
The Australian Chamber-Tourism urges the Coalition Government to reduce visa application costs for working holidaymakers in order to continue to grow Australia's multi-billion dollar international...
1/10/2019
The Australian Chamber is urging banks to pass on today's interest rate cuts in full in order to boost consumer spending, encourage businesses to invest...