Unemployed Aussies could be encouraged to do FARM WORK as 50,000 backpackers leave the country amid the coronavirus pandemic
- A federal inquiry will look into unemployed Australians taking traveler's jobs
- The coronavirus pandemic has meant 50,000 less backpackers are in Australia
- Unemployment is set to reach 10 per cent in June, with 1.4 million out of work
- Inquiry will raise issues for businesses who depend on tourist staff to prosper
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Unemployed Australians could be pushed to do farm work to fill the void left by thousands of backpackers who left the country during the coronavirus pandemic.
A federal parliamentary inquiry is studying the economic recovery of the tourism, health and farming industries on the other side of COVID-19.
The pandemic has meant there are 50,000 less backpackers in Australia, with the inquiry looking into the prospect of unemployed Australians taking jobs generally done by travelers.
'Once borders reopen they will be key to filling some roles where Australian workers are usually not available, particularly in regional areas,' NSW Liberal MP Julian Leeser told ABC.
Unemployed Australians could be encouraged to take up farm work to fill the void left by backpackers who left Australia due to the coronavirus (stock image)
Julian Leeser (pictured) said the inquiry will raise issues for small businesses who depend on tourist staff to prosper
Mr Leeser will chair the inquiry, with the coronavirus period forcing his committee to suspend another investigation into migration in regional Australia after reporting no recommendations.
Australia's unemployment rate is predicted to rise to 10 per cent in the June quarter, with 1.4 million Australians expected to be without work.
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Working-holiday staff generate around $3billion into the Australian economy annually.
Mr Leeser said the inquiry will raise issues for small businesses who depend on tourist staff to prosper.
The coronavirus pandemic has lead to enormous queues outside unemployment offices around the country. Pictured: Centrelink in Melbourne
'It is particularly important to people in rural and regional Australia who rely on the working holiday-maker workforce to help them keep their businesses running,' he said.
The inquiry will receive submissions until July 24.
Victorian Farmers Federation spokeswoman Emma Germano was dispassionate towards the inquiry after noting that findings from previous investigations have been routinely ignored by the government.
Ms Germano said the industry relies on backpacker workers because there are no viable options alternatives to generate a workforce.
'Industry has long made recommendations to improve the worker holiday program to make it fit for purpose, and put protections in place for the worker and the employer,' she said.
Working-holiday staff generate around $3billion into the Australian economy annually. Pictured: passengers enter Brisbane from Nepal on April 2
