Greetings from Gayleen

– February 2023

With the relaxation of working holiday visa conditions being extended, holiday makers can work for an employer for the duration of their visa rather than the previous 6-month limitation. Another significant change which is negatively affecting our farmers and many regional and outback towns, is the lifting of the required 3 months ‘farm work’ stipulation that was previously in place to be eligible for a second working holiday visa.

There has been an increase in the ‘eligible specific work industries’ to allow for a second visa, namely hospitality and tourism has been added to the list. The effect of this change is that many ‘backpackers’ are now flocking to the larger and coastal cities looking for hospitality work, which is just not available, particularly at this time of the year and meanwhile, the farmers are desperate for staff. We have had some great rains with crops and feed flourishing but there is no one to work the farms and harvest the crops.

With universities back for the new semester, international students are steadily returning. Housing continues to be the greatest barrier for many wanting to come back to Australia. There is a strong message in the OS student market currently that if you come to Australia, you will have nowhere to live.

Australian airline startup Bonza has put its first flights on sale, introducing a network of 12 destinations connected by 15 routes. Once fully operational, Bonza expects its route map to cover 17 destinations and 27 services. At this stage the Sunshine Coast will operate 5 flights to Cairns weekly and MacKay twice weekly. This is great news for the regions; actually, it is Bonza news!

We have found the economy and job opportunities are holding their own with continued excellent employment opportunities across many industry sectors and professions. If you are thinking of making a move there are some great incentives including housing and relocation being offered by many of our clients. There is also a continued steady flow of skilled workers from throughout Australia looking to move to beautiful regional Queensland. If you need some help in the employment space, please don’t hesitate to give us a call for assistance with either finding great staff or a great job.