Good for farmers

A system that appears to have proved good for attracting seasonal workers to the Ord Valley is to be extended.

Federal Member Barry Haase has welcomed the announcement that the extension to the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa has happened.

The change provides a second 12-month visa to WHMs who have done at least three months seasonal harvest work in regional Australia.

WHMs are currently eligible for just one of these visas in a lifetime.

"I welcome the introduction of this provision and that WHMs will now be more likely to look at seasonal work across this electorate," said Mr Haase.

"However, I will continue to speak to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Senator Amanda Vanstone, about further changes that I believe are required."

"I want to see WHMs allowed to work for one employer for up to six months instead of three, and that work for any employer in rural or regional Australia qualifies a WHM for a second visa."

During the last financial year, more than 100,000 WHMs visited Australia.

Research shows that about 15 percent do harvest work during their stay.

The changes aim to substantially increase this number.

Working holidaymakers will be expected to provide proof of their harvest work. Farmers may be asked to sign a form, or provide a reference, to verify work done on their farm.

The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs may contact growers to check the details provided by the working holidaymaker.

Working holidaymaker visa applications may be lodged over the Internet.