THE HON MELISSA PRICE MP MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY MEMBER FOR DURACK
THE HON ALAN TUDGE MP
MINISTER FOR POPULATION, CITIES AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE ACTING MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP, MIGRANT SERVICES AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS MEDIA RELEASE 5 October 2020
Options for backpackers to stay in WA The Morrison Government has made it easier for backpackers on Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visas to stay in northern WA during COVID-19. WHMs can already stay in the region for up to three years if they spend time working in specific industries, including tourism and hospitality for some visa holders. WHMs in their first year in Australia can do three months of specified work to get a visa for a second year. If they do a further six months of specified work in that second year, they can qualify for a third year visa. Specified work includes agriculture, fishing, mining and construction in northern WA. For subclass 462 visa holders, tourism and hospitality in northern Australia can also be counted as specified work. Recent changes also mean WHMs can now count critical COVID-19 related healthcare work in WA towards a second or third WHM visa. WHMs working in tourism and hospitality in northern Australia are exempt from the usual restriction on working with one employer in one location for more than six months, as are those working in aged care and disability services, agriculture, construction and mining. During COVID-19, this has been extended to 12 months for those working in critical industries like food processing, health care and childcare, to give certainty and flexibility to workers and employers.
