Working Holiday Makers create more jobs than they fill: DIAC
Working holiday makers spend more than they earn, increasing the demand for Australian workers, according to new research from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
DIAC’s Evaluation of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program 2009 found each arrival is estimated to create 0.212 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs through spending in sectors including accommodation, transport, education and tourism.
The 134,388 WHM arrivals in 2007-08 created 28,448 FTE jobs, taking 19,969 jobs in return, a net gain of 8,479. In other words, every 100 WHMs created 6.3 jobs in Australia.
WHMs earned an average $10,667 while spending $13,218 in the year 2007/08, a net gain of $2,551. However, average spend was down from $16,314 in 2000/01.
The number of WHM arrivals has risen by 70 per cent since 00/01 and the market is now worth $1.8 billion to the Australian economy.
While the UK remains the largest source market for WHMs at 28,960, the figure has declined from 39,963 in 00/01. The next largest markets are South Korea (26,758), Germany (15,380) and Ireland (14,617).
Typically, WHMs occupy low-skilled positions including farm hand (27 per cent), waiter (13 per cent), cleaner (eight per cent) and kitchen hand (five per cent).
Of the 19,888 WHMs surveyed, 13,411 cited travel as one of their principal reasons for visiting Australia, 9,599 said work was a major motivation while 4,127 cited study as a big pull.
The research was part funded by the Backpacker Tourism Advisory Panel (BTAP)/the Australian Tourism Export Council, the Tourism and Transport Forum and Tourism Australia.
BTAP Chairman Peter Burke said: “This reinforces BTAP’s position that the WHM is a cultural exchange program and funds generated by work are used to supplement the cost of travel around Australia.”
To view the full report, click here.
By Martin Lane · June 24th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
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