Read BYTAP’s latest submission and follow the Federal Parliamentary review here: MigrationPathway
20 January 2023
To: The Hon Maria Vamvakinou MP
Chair Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Migration
Dear Ms Vamvakinou,
Ref: Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) – submission re Review into a Migration, Pathway to Nation Building.
I write to you on behalf of the Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) – the peak industry body representing the youth tourism sector.
a) Summary of submission
Working Holiday Makers “WHMs” (visa subclass holders 417 and 462) are a vital part of Australia’s temporary migration program, assisting with nation-building, and potential reforms to policy settings would maximise the benefits of the program.
b) Background
In a normal year, over 150,000 WHMs from nearly 50 countries would be in Australia on this reciprocal cultural exchange program. Currently, there are just over 100,000 in-country, as the tourism industry continues to feel the after-effects of the pandemic disruption. It is essential therefore to plan for the short, medium, and long term to revive this segment of the youth tourism sector, which was worth $3.2 billion to the Australian economy each year pre-pandemic (source: Tourism Australia – see Appendix.)1
WHM’s dispersal is especially critical in filling casual temporary jobs in tourism & hospitality in regional areas, supporting these industries to be able to operate at full capacity. They also assist with other types of regional work where there is high seasonal demand, including agriculture and au-pairing in areas where there is no other childcare options.
c) BYTAP’s position with regard to the Terms of Reference of the inquiry
With regards to Working Holiday Makers, we note the following relating to the Terms of Reference:
Terms of Reference
Immigration as a strategic enabler of vibrant economies and socially sustainable communities in our cities and regional hubs.
BYTAP Position
Working Holiday Makers, as temporary migrants, arrive from their home countries into Australia’s major cities and usually start their travels in these urban hubs, contributing to economic growth in those locations.
They also disperse widely throughout Australia, greatly benefitting regional communities. Recent research shows that 69.8% visited NSW; 64.2% visited Queensland; 60.7% visited Victoria; 27.6% visited WA; 24.2% visited SA; 19.3% visited the NT; 17.2% visited TAS and 16% visited the ACT (source: Flinders University – Perceptions of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker Program 2019-2020. Click here to read more.
Terms of Reference
Attraction and retention strategies for working migrants to Australia.
BYTAP Position
While noting that WHMs are temporary migrants, they are part of the longer-term solution and therefore are an integral part of this mix. Extending changes such as enabling them to work for 12 months with one employer would take significant pressure off employers (there is usually a 6-month maximum with a few exceptions; this was temporarily doubled until 30 June 2023 – click here to read more).
Consideration is to be given to investigating potential pathways to more permanent residency in Australia for WHMs (particularly those with desirable skills/qualifications) – in the same way that international students have a pathway to stay in Australia post-study.
Terms of Reference
Other related matters that may assist the inquiryBYTAP Position.
BYTAP Position
Government to consider increasing the age limit to 35 for all participating countries on the Working Holiday Maker 462 and 417 visa subclasses (currently only a limited number of countries have the expanded age limit).
Amend policy settings to offer former Working Holiday Makers who have returned to their home countries, and who still meet the age criteria, the ability to apply for a second visa.
Remove visa caps on countries identified as ‘low risk’ – see the current status of visa caps here (some as low as 100 and quickly exhausted each year) click here to read more.
Remove the English language and tertiary level, and letter of support requirements from countries where it applies for the 462 Working Holiday Maker visa (as these are onerous imposts that are not evenly applied to all countries in the program and are not requirements under the 417 Working Holiday visa). Note – the ethos of the WHM visa is cultural exchange, and language is an important element of culture. Considerable research has demonstrated that many WHMs state that “to improve my English skills” is a major reason to come to Australia. So, by imposing English language requirements, by default a large proportion of the potential market is being restricted. It is also not a reciprocal requirement for Australians travelling overseas on a WHM visa.
Fast-track agreements with new countries such as Mexico and the Philippines which are well-established in other markets that offer similar visa arrangements.
Fast-track the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) visa changes with the UK (as this will incorporate positive changes to Working Holiday Maker visas for Britons – including an increase in the age limit to 35, and the offering of an initial three-year visa with no requirement for any specified work in any particular area to be undertaken to obtain this duration).
Consideration to permit Tourist visa holders to transfer to a 462 or 417 visa onshore. Currently, applicants must leave Australia in order to apply.
d) Alignment with recent governmental inquiries, initiatives, and research
BYTAP is aligned with and supports the following recent key governmental inquiries, initiatives, and research that includes consideration of the Working Holiday Maker program:
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Thrive 2030 Strategy – The Re-Imagined Visitor Economy – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
Includes many recommendations regarding harnessing the opportunity that Working Holiday Makers present
Note particularly that in the Thrive 2030 Strategy Action Plan – Phase 1: Recovery 2022-2024 under Priority 3 – Grow a secure and resilient workforce there are several action items listed regarding Working Holiday Makers.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Reimagining the Visitor Economy – Expert Panel Report – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
Specifically, under ‘A Modern Workforce’ there is the recommendation to reform the Working Holiday Maker scheme to increase the pool of workers for the visitor economy:
– This should include increasing age limits to 35 for all participating countries (on a non-reciprocal basis if need be).
– Fast-tracking.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Employment White Paper – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
BYTAP’s submission on the White Paper arising from the Jobs & Skills Summit can be read here.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Joint Committee on Migration’s Review into the Working Holiday Maker Program – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
BYTAP supports the recommendations of this critical review (published in November 2020) – click here to read more.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Flinders University – Perceptions of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker Program 2019-2020 – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
BYTAP supports this extensive research report – commissioned and funded by Austrade – into the experience, and economic as well as social contribution, of Working Holiday Makers in Australia – click here to read more.
In conclusion, we request that the role of the Working Holiday Maker program, and potential policy amendments to it, be afforded due consideration in this review.
I would be happy to elaborate further on the issues as required in person or by video conference.
Yours sincerely,
WENDI AYLWARD – CHAIRPERSON, BYTAP
LATEST POSTS
Read BYTAP’s latest submission and follow the Federal Parliamentary review here: MigrationPathway
20 January 2023
To: The Hon Maria Vamvakinou MP
Chair Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Migration
Dear Ms Vamvakinou,
Ref: Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) – submission re Review into a Migration, Pathway to Nation Building.
I write to you on behalf of the Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) – the peak industry body representing the youth tourism sector.
a) Summary of submission
Working Holiday Makers “WHMs” (visa subclass holders 417 and 462) are a vital part of Australia’s temporary migration program, assisting with nation-building, and potential reforms to policy settings would maximise the benefits of the program.
b) Background
In a normal year, over 150,000 WHMs from nearly 50 countries would be in Australia on this reciprocal cultural exchange program. Currently, there are just over 100,000 in-country, as the tourism industry continues to feel the after-effects of the pandemic disruption. It is essential therefore to plan for the short, medium, and long term to revive this segment of the youth tourism sector, which was worth $3.2 billion to the Australian economy each year pre-pandemic (source: Tourism Australia – see Appendix.)1
WHM’s dispersal is especially critical in filling casual temporary jobs in tourism & hospitality in regional areas, supporting these industries to be able to operate at full capacity. They also assist with other types of regional work where there is high seasonal demand, including agriculture and au-pairing in areas where there is no other childcare options.
c) BYTAP’s position with regard to the Terms of Reference of the inquiry
With regards to Working Holiday Makers, we note the following relating to the Terms of Reference:
Terms of Reference
Immigration as a strategic enabler of vibrant economies and socially sustainable communities in our cities and regional hubs.
BYTAP Position
Working Holiday Makers, as temporary migrants, arrive from their home countries into Australia’s major cities and usually start their travels in these urban hubs, contributing to economic growth in those locations.
They also disperse widely throughout Australia, greatly benefitting regional communities. Recent research shows that 69.8% visited NSW; 64.2% visited Queensland; 60.7% visited Victoria; 27.6% visited WA; 24.2% visited SA; 19.3% visited the NT; 17.2% visited TAS and 16% visited the ACT (source: Flinders University – Perceptions of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker Program 2019-2020. Click here to read more.
Terms of Reference
Attraction and retention strategies for working migrants to Australia.
BYTAP Position
While noting that WHMs are temporary migrants, they are part of the longer-term solution and therefore are an integral part of this mix. Extending changes such as enabling them to work for 12 months with one employer would take significant pressure off employers (there is usually a 6-month maximum with a few exceptions; this was temporarily doubled until 30 June 2023 – click here to read more).
Consideration is to be given to investigating potential pathways to more permanent residency in Australia for WHMs (particularly those with desirable skills/qualifications) – in the same way that international students have a pathway to stay in Australia post-study.
Terms of Reference
Other related matters that may assist the inquiryBYTAP Position.
BYTAP Position
Government to consider increasing the age limit to 35 for all participating countries on the Working Holiday Maker 462 and 417 visa subclasses (currently only a limited number of countries have the expanded age limit).
Amend policy settings to offer former Working Holiday Makers who have returned to their home countries, and who still meet the age criteria, the ability to apply for a second visa.
Remove visa caps on countries identified as ‘low risk’ – see the current status of visa caps here (some as low as 100 and quickly exhausted each year) click here to read more.
Remove the English language and tertiary level, and letter of support requirements from countries where it applies for the 462 Working Holiday Maker visa (as these are onerous imposts that are not evenly applied to all countries in the program and are not requirements under the 417 Working Holiday visa). Note – the ethos of the WHM visa is cultural exchange, and language is an important element of culture. Considerable research has demonstrated that many WHMs state that “to improve my English skills” is a major reason to come to Australia. So, by imposing English language requirements, by default a large proportion of the potential market is being restricted. It is also not a reciprocal requirement for Australians travelling overseas on a WHM visa.
Fast-track agreements with new countries such as Mexico and the Philippines which are well-established in other markets that offer similar visa arrangements.
Fast-track the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) visa changes with the UK (as this will incorporate positive changes to Working Holiday Maker visas for Britons – including an increase in the age limit to 35, and the offering of an initial three-year visa with no requirement for any specified work in any particular area to be undertaken to obtain this duration).
Consideration to permit Tourist visa holders to transfer to a 462 or 417 visa onshore. Currently, applicants must leave Australia in order to apply.
d) Alignment with recent governmental inquiries, initiatives, and research
BYTAP is aligned with and supports the following recent key governmental inquiries, initiatives, and research that includes consideration of the Working Holiday Maker program:
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Thrive 2030 Strategy – The Re-Imagined Visitor Economy – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
Includes many recommendations regarding harnessing the opportunity that Working Holiday Makers present
Note particularly that in the Thrive 2030 Strategy Action Plan – Phase 1: Recovery 2022-2024 under Priority 3 – Grow a secure and resilient workforce there are several action items listed regarding Working Holiday Makers.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Reimagining the Visitor Economy – Expert Panel Report – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
Specifically, under ‘A Modern Workforce’ there is the recommendation to reform the Working Holiday Maker scheme to increase the pool of workers for the visitor economy:
– This should include increasing age limits to 35 for all participating countries (on a non-reciprocal basis if need be).
– Fast-tracking.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Employment White Paper – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
BYTAP’s submission on the White Paper arising from the Jobs & Skills Summit can be read here.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Joint Committee on Migration’s Review into the Working Holiday Maker Program – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
BYTAP supports the recommendations of this critical review (published in November 2020) – click here to read more.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Flinders University – Perceptions of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker Program 2019-2020 – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
BYTAP supports this extensive research report – commissioned and funded by Austrade – into the experience, and economic as well as social contribution, of Working Holiday Makers in Australia – click here to read more.
In conclusion, we request that the role of the Working Holiday Maker program, and potential policy amendments to it, be afforded due consideration in this review.
I would be happy to elaborate further on the issues as required in person or by video conference.
Yours sincerely,
WENDI AYLWARD – CHAIRPERSON, BYTAP
LATEST POSTS
Read BYTAP’s latest submission and follow the Federal Parliamentary review here: MigrationPathway
20 January 2023
To: The Hon Maria Vamvakinou MP
Chair Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Migration
Dear Ms Vamvakinou,
Ref: Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) – submission re Review into a Migration, Pathway to Nation Building.
I write to you on behalf of the Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) – the peak industry body representing the youth tourism sector.
a) Summary of submission
Working Holiday Makers “WHMs” (visa subclass holders 417 and 462) are a vital part of Australia’s temporary migration program, assisting with nation-building, and potential reforms to policy settings would maximise the benefits of the program.
b) Background
In a normal year, over 150,000 WHMs from nearly 50 countries would be in Australia on this reciprocal cultural exchange program. Currently, there are just over 100,000 in-country, as the tourism industry continues to feel the after-effects of the pandemic disruption. It is essential therefore to plan for the short, medium, and long term to revive this segment of the youth tourism sector, which was worth $3.2 billion to the Australian economy each year pre-pandemic (source: Tourism Australia – see Appendix.)1
WHM’s dispersal is especially critical in filling casual temporary jobs in tourism & hospitality in regional areas, supporting these industries to be able to operate at full capacity. They also assist with other types of regional work where there is high seasonal demand, including agriculture and au-pairing in areas where there is no other childcare options.
c) BYTAP’s position with regard to the Terms of Reference of the inquiry
With regards to Working Holiday Makers, we note the following relating to the Terms of Reference:
Terms of Reference
Immigration as a strategic enabler of vibrant economies and socially sustainable communities in our cities and regional hubs.
BYTAP Position
Working Holiday Makers, as temporary migrants, arrive from their home countries into Australia’s major cities and usually start their travels in these urban hubs, contributing to economic growth in those locations.
They also disperse widely throughout Australia, greatly benefitting regional communities. Recent research shows that 69.8% visited NSW; 64.2% visited Queensland; 60.7% visited Victoria; 27.6% visited WA; 24.2% visited SA; 19.3% visited the NT; 17.2% visited TAS and 16% visited the ACT (source: Flinders University – Perceptions of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker Program 2019-2020. Click here to read more.
Terms of Reference
Attraction and retention strategies for working migrants to Australia.
BYTAP Position
While noting that WHMs are temporary migrants, they are part of the longer-term solution and therefore are an integral part of this mix. Extending changes such as enabling them to work for 12 months with one employer would take significant pressure off employers (there is usually a 6-month maximum with a few exceptions; this was temporarily doubled until 30 June 2023 – click here to read more).
Consideration is to be given to investigating potential pathways to more permanent residency in Australia for WHMs (particularly those with desirable skills/qualifications) – in the same way that international students have a pathway to stay in Australia post-study.
Terms of Reference
Other related matters that may assist the inquiryBYTAP Position.
BYTAP Position
Government to consider increasing the age limit to 35 for all participating countries on the Working Holiday Maker 462 and 417 visa subclasses (currently only a limited number of countries have the expanded age limit).
Amend policy settings to offer former Working Holiday Makers who have returned to their home countries, and who still meet the age criteria, the ability to apply for a second visa.
Remove visa caps on countries identified as ‘low risk’ – see the current status of visa caps here (some as low as 100 and quickly exhausted each year) click here to read more.
Remove the English language and tertiary level, and letter of support requirements from countries where it applies for the 462 Working Holiday Maker visa (as these are onerous imposts that are not evenly applied to all countries in the program and are not requirements under the 417 Working Holiday visa). Note – the ethos of the WHM visa is cultural exchange, and language is an important element of culture. Considerable research has demonstrated that many WHMs state that “to improve my English skills” is a major reason to come to Australia. So, by imposing English language requirements, by default a large proportion of the potential market is being restricted. It is also not a reciprocal requirement for Australians travelling overseas on a WHM visa.
Fast-track agreements with new countries such as Mexico and the Philippines which are well-established in other markets that offer similar visa arrangements.
Fast-track the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) visa changes with the UK (as this will incorporate positive changes to Working Holiday Maker visas for Britons – including an increase in the age limit to 35, and the offering of an initial three-year visa with no requirement for any specified work in any particular area to be undertaken to obtain this duration).
Consideration to permit Tourist visa holders to transfer to a 462 or 417 visa onshore. Currently, applicants must leave Australia in order to apply.
d) Alignment with recent governmental inquiries, initiatives, and research
BYTAP is aligned with and supports the following recent key governmental inquiries, initiatives, and research that includes consideration of the Working Holiday Maker program:
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Thrive 2030 Strategy – The Re-Imagined Visitor Economy – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
Includes many recommendations regarding harnessing the opportunity that Working Holiday Makers present
Note particularly that in the Thrive 2030 Strategy Action Plan – Phase 1: Recovery 2022-2024 under Priority 3 – Grow a secure and resilient workforce there are several action items listed regarding Working Holiday Makers.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Reimagining the Visitor Economy – Expert Panel Report – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
Specifically, under ‘A Modern Workforce’ there is the recommendation to reform the Working Holiday Maker scheme to increase the pool of workers for the visitor economy:
– This should include increasing age limits to 35 for all participating countries (on a non-reciprocal basis if need be).
– Fast-tracking.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Employment White Paper – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
BYTAP’s submission on the White Paper arising from the Jobs & Skills Summit can be read here.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Joint Committee on Migration’s Review into the Working Holiday Maker Program – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
BYTAP supports the recommendations of this critical review (published in November 2020) – click here to read more.
Inquiry, Initiative, or Research Document
Flinders University – Perceptions of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker Program 2019-2020 – click here to read more.
BYTAP’S Comments
BYTAP supports this extensive research report – commissioned and funded by Austrade – into the experience, and economic as well as social contribution, of Working Holiday Makers in Australia – click here to read more.
In conclusion, we request that the role of the Working Holiday Maker program, and potential policy amendments to it, be afforded due consideration in this review.
I would be happy to elaborate further on the issues as required in person or by video conference.
Yours sincerely,
WENDI AYLWARD – CHAIRPERSON, BYTAP
