IN the aftermath of the controversial 'backpacker tax' reform, the Federal Government will target travellers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy to boost the number of working holiday makers in Australia.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced a $10 million global campaign to get more young travellers to the country, with Port Douglas one of many popular working holiday destinations for backpackers.

“Combined with the Far North’s natural beauty and overall safety, and the employment opportunities in our region, conditions are ripe for a backpacker boost,” Entsch said.

The news comes after the backpacker tax was cut from 32 per cent to 19 percent, which many still believe is too high.

The Government has, however, increased the working holiday maker age from 30 to 35 years, and will now allow travellers to work for the same employer for 12 months, provided the second six months is in a different region.?

“I’ve welcomed the new package because it’s much fairer on working holiday makers and creates more opportunities for local employers, as well as cracking down on those few operators who are doing the wrong thing by exploiting backpackers,” Entsch said.?

“The campaign, by Tourism Australia, invites young people around the world to come to Australia for a life-changing experience, working and holidaying in our beautiful country.”??

Entsch said working holiday makers are critical to Far North Queensland’s agricultural and tourism industry.

More than 320,000 working holiday makers spent around $3 billion in Australia last year alone.??“

I’ll be working with local tourism operators to make sure our region maximises the benefits from this new campaign,” he said.