KEY industry spokespeople have welcomed the state government's latest international worker announcement, with a plan to revamp the "10 Pound Pom" scheme released this week.
Under the initiative, citizens of the United Kingdom and Ireland can purchase return airfares to Adelaide for just £10 - or around $17.50 AUD - if they have a valid Working Holiday Visa, can travel before September 30 and purchase a Trailfinders holiday starter pack.
Pre-COVID, the backpacker market was a significant employer within the hospitality, tourism and primary industry sector.
SA had 27,000 working holiday visitors in 2019, spending $47 million in the visitor economy.
SA Horticulture Coalition chair Angelo DeMasi said the scheme was a step in the right direction to remedy the current workforce crisis but by no means a complete solution.
"I'm assuming this will mainly cover hospitality area, but I think some will end up in in our regions working," he said.
"We certainly welcome any announcement that enables us to strengthen our workforce in the wake of the pandemic.
"But this is just one small step, we're hopeful now restrictions are eased we can work with the government on further work schemes and rebuild the health of our workforce."
Mr DeMasi said the timing of the announcement coincided with picking season for the industry.
"If some take up the opportunity early and come to the regions, they'll be here in time to pick our citrus which will be vital for the industry," he said.
"Then from September and October onwards we'll have stone fruit season, so the timing certainly fits in well with those areas - it's just a matter of if they take up that opportunity.
"We highlighted the need for more workers in our blueprint prior to the election which is something we've definitely spoken about in length.
"It's important we get whatever schemes we need for more workers underway as soon as possible though, as NZ are currently looking for workers themselves so there's certainly some competition.
"I think now restrictions have eased, there's no reason we can't get the workforce back to pre-COVID strength."
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A total of 200 return flights to Adelaide will be available on Qatar Airways services from London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin.
Primary Producers SA chair Simon Maddocks said anything that assisted in attracting more backpacker and seasonal tourist workers must be considered a positive move.
"I note this campaign only offers 200 discounted fares, which would be a small sample of what could potentially be required, but the campaign is a positive move to raise the profile in traditional source markets of this great state as an obvious destination for working holiday aspirants to consider," he said.
"Many of our primary industry sectors that have a need for a significant seasonal workforce have been significantly impacted by the restrictions and reduced international visitors - this has also impacted the tourism and hospitality sectors, many of which are linked to, or dependent on, viable primary industries activities.
"I know several PPSA commodity group members have been discussing with the state government ways in which increased regional and seasonal workforce numbers might be improved given their particular industry needs.
"Housing and accommodation in regional areas remains a challenge for longer-term workforce improvements, but backpacker opportunities remain significant."
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said it was important SA was actively encouraging young workers to travel, explore the state and help fill much-needed job vacancies.
"Our state is welcoming the return of working holiday makers - it's a real win-win for young people eager to travel and work abroad, and for our local tourism industry," she said.
"Our tourism operators have missed having international visitors on their tours and experiences, and booking up accommodation, and they've also missed the backpacker workforce and the vibrancy they bring.
"In turn, we know these young people have missed travelling and have missed seeing SA - they foster a love for our state and our country which often inspires them to return later in life."
Primary Industries and Regional Development Shadow Minister Nicola Centofanti said the opposition welcomed any initiative that attracted tourists into the regions and boosted the local economy.
"Backpackers offer great short-term benefit to our regions but what we really need is long-term solutions that provide sustainability and address the rural labour shortage," she said.
"We need people who are going to live and work in the regions, be a part of our communities and play in our local footy and netball clubs.
"That's why the Agricultural Visa program is crucial and it beggars belief the Labor Party won't stand up for farmers - and to federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese - to back an initiative that really makes a difference."
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