work and travel australia government

Australia's working holiday visa opens up to those over 30 years

Jul 3, 2023 • 5 min read

Jobs in the agricultural sector are abundant – and can be demanding if highly rewarding © Jason Edwards / Getty Images

If you think you missed out on the "gap year" or working holiday experience because of the global lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, we have some good news.

Since  Australia   reopened its borders  in 2022 it has been experiencing labor shortages in a host of industries. In response, the government has just increased the eligibility for some working holiday makers from 30 to 35 years to attract more workers Down Under.

And there's more: the range of jobs available to working holiday makers in Australia means taking a year out to work and travel doesn't have to derail your career (something the gap year naysayers might tell you).

Keen to  spend a year or two living, working and traveling in Australia  in 2023 or 2024? Read on for everything you need to know to make it happen. 

What are the new rules for working holiday makers in Australia?

As of 1 July 2023, citizens of the UK, Canada, France, Denmark, Italy and Ireland are eligible to apply for an Australian Working Holiday visa up to the age of 35. For the other 40 countries participating in the program , the 30 year age restriction remains for now.

Industry groups are calling on the Australian government to go further and lift the age of working holiday visas to 50 years to help plug skills gaps, especially in management level roles, but nothing has been decided yet.

Some of the requirements for extending the visa beyond an initial 12 months (such as undertaking farm work) will also be dropped for British passport holders from 1 July 2024 as part of the Australia–UK Free Trade Agreement.

Commenting on the changes, Sally Cope, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe said, “Every year, more than 35,000 young Brits head to Australia to work and play, the Aussie way.

"Our research reveals close to half of 25- to 34-year-olds are considering working abroad to advance their careers, so this five-year age range increase presents a world of openings to these young professionals.

"Australia also offers an incredible lifestyle – where else can you be in the boardroom at 4pm and by the beach an hour later? We’re sure there are many 30–35-year-olds who thought they had missed their chance to live and work Down Under, who will jump at this exciting prospect; and Australia is ready to welcome them.”

So, is there a downside? Well, while eligibility has increased – so has cost of the Working Holiday Maker visa, rising from AU$510 to AU$640 from 1 July. Perhaps it's a government incentive to stick around for longer and make the most of the opportunities in Australia.

How long does it take to get a working holiday visa?

Provided you have an up-to-date passport, satisfy the age requirement (which varies by citizenship ), have some savings, and meet the health and character requirements for a Working Holiday visa , you can apply immediately. 

As long as you have all the necessary documentation ready, visa approvals can be turned around in less than a day. 

How long can I work in Australia?

To extend your initial 12-month Australian Working Holiday visa for a second year (and even a third year), most travelers need to do at least 12 weeks (3 months) in a "specified industry" and/or region. These are places where workers are most needed in Australia: farming, fisheries, construction or remote-area tourism gigs. 

However this requirement is changing in 2024 for British travelers thanks for a reciprocal agreement between the two nations. 

The former rule that you can only work for one employer for a maximum of six months is being reinstated, after a temporary amnesty. This was a condition industry wants removed, particularly in more remote locations where it's harder to attract good staff. Workers take time to learn the ropes, and to build strong relationships. 

To further entice willing workers, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s tourism group is encouraging employers to stump up the visa fees (AU$640) to get people over to fill their job vacancies.

If you're applying for a job from home while applying for your visa, there's no harm in asking your future employer to help you out with the fee.

What jobs are there in Australia for working holiday makers?

Matthew Heyes of Backpacker Job Board , Australia’s largest recruitment website for working holiday makers, says, “Job opportunities for working holiday makers are widespread, covering a range of different sectors. There are fruit-picking…and other agricultural-based [jobs], which are really popular because these roles contribute to the second- and third-year visa-extension program. The roles are also seasonal and offer the opportunity to earn well while the seasons are high. 

“Other cornerstones of backpacker employment include au pair work, plus sales and marketing positions as well as other broader hospitality jobs.”

A strong Australian dollar is another key incentive for workers who might be seeing their local currency tanking. Work hard enough and save well, and you could go home with some major dollars in the bank – that is, if you don’t spend it all having the time of your life traveling around Australia.  

I'm over 40, can I work in Australia for a year?

The proposal to extend the maximum age for the Working Holiday visa to 50 has certainly piqued a lot of interest. The mid-career sabbatical – sometimes called an “adult gap year” – was already gaining traction before the pandemic.

The global shutdown also saw a lot of people reviewing what is important in life. Taking a year out from an established career to work, travel and meet new people is just the kind of radical change many now crave in place of being tied to a screen all day.

Matthew Heyes sees the potential for extending the age for working holiday . “It will completely change what it is to be a backpacker,” he says. “No longer will it be confined to the youth travel market. We could see a more diverse profile of traveler in Australia’s adventure travel sector. I believe this could be a huge win for Australia.

“If it goes ahead, it will also introduce a workforce to Australia who have a broad wealth of skills and qualifications. Their career experience would benefit the Australian economy.” 

Doing something really different – whether working outside or in a public-facing role – somewhere as friendly, safe and beautiful as Australia could be the adventure of a lifetime. No matter your age.

This article was first published January 2023 and updated July 2023

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Work & Travel in Australia

Work in australia and earn money to bask on the beach, explore the outback, or savor city livin’ in the land down under., eligibility, program dates, costs and inclusions, make it a gap year, startup budget, sydney welcome week, orientation, why greenheart travel, application process.

This is your chance to dive into Australia and truly live like a local . Spend up to a year working and traveling throughout Australia while experiencing lively cities , incredible wildlife , adventure sports , and engaging with new friends from all over the world!

Greenheart Travel’s program is ideal if you:

• Are between the ages of 18-30 and want to live abroad in a country known for its natural wonders.
• Looking for an adventure, and are open to working a variety of jobs.
• Are looking for the long-term study abroad experience that you never had.
• Want to meet a community of travelers like yourself!

Progr am at a Glance:

• Sufficient salary to live and travel!
• Assistance finding work in bars, restaurants, resorts, farms, and other short-term jobs.
• Group program start dates.
• Pre-departure and in-country support.
• Welcome Week in Sydney with excursions and group activities.
• Friends, couples, and siblings are welcome!

You must meet the following requirements to apply

• Citizen of one of the following: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, EU.
• Must be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa.
• Be between the ages of 18-30* years old.
• Must be outside of Australia for the visa application process.
• Be a native English speaker or have near-native fluency.

Due to visa regulations for a Working Holiday Visa we cannot make exceptions to these requirements. These are put in place by the Australian government.

*The maximum age has been raised to 35 for certain countries in the EU and UK. Please check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for more information. 

The Sydney Welcome Week starts on Mondays, so you’ll arrive on one of these dates:

Program Price: $1,690 USD

Packaged into Program Cost:

• Adventure welcome week in Sydney
• 6 months of international medical insurance
• Airport pickup and transfer to hostel
• 7 nights’ hostel accommodation (shared room) and breakfasts
• Group arrival orientation
• 1-on-1 job assistance service, support, and advice
• Bank account set up prior to arrival
• Resources and support for finding permanent housing
• Cellphone setup
• Australian SIM card
• Organized social events and activities
• Greenheart Atlas Program
• Greenheart Club Membership

Our Support and Services:

• Online logistical and cultural training before departure from an Experienced Travel Program Manager.
• 24 hour in-country emergency support for the duration of your program.
• Job and accommodation support for the full duration of your program, not just the duration of the welcome week!
• Visa Assistance as needed.
• Assistance preparing tax paperwork upon arrival and before departure home.
• Opportunity to apply for a Greenheart Grant to give back to your community at home or abroad.
• Highly experienced team of in-country support staff members.

Additional Expenses to Consider:

• Visa processing and fees (about $450 AUD- you will apply for your visa online)
• Flights and return transfers
• Lunch and dinner during Welcome Week
• Housing costs and living expenses (meals, utilities, etc.)
• Personal expenses

Wondering where exactly your program fee goes? Here is a breakdown.

Work Abroad Australia is a tremendous gap year option ! Our program is designed to have a structural component that assists our travelers with pre-departure and arrival logistics such as bank account setup, obtaining the equivalent of their Social Security number, finding accommodation, securing a job, and making friends! This work abroad program also allows for enough flexibility for travelers to experience self-discovery by choosing where they live, what jobs they secure, and when and where they would like to travel.

This is a great gap year program for you if you:

• Want a program centered around community.
• Are seeking guidance to help you navigate getting settled abroad, but desire the flexibility to work and travel on your own schedule.
• Enjoy outdoor activities.
• Are open to working a variety of jobs.
• Crave a travel abroad experience that lasts for 6-12 months.
• Are looking to add work abroad experience to your resume.

Skills and personal growth that our Greenheart Travelers have acquired while on program:

• Customer service
• Cross-cultural communication
• Agricultural
• Interpersonal
• Problem-solving
• Traveling know-how
• Strong sense of self
• Independence

The cost of living in Australia, especially in big cities like Sydney, is likely more than what you’re used to in your home country. So, it is important to budget accordingly to make sure you are financially prepared upon arrival and until you begin to make a regular paycheck.

Here is a rough estimate of your initial start-up costs (in USD):

Flight:                             $1,200

Program Fee:                $1,690

Visa:                                 $350

Savings:                        $3,394*

Total:                             $6,634

* this total amount is a requirement of the Working Holiday Visa, however, it is a good amount to have to make sure you have enough money to live comfortably until you start working.

Average Weekly Budget:

Your salary will depend on how often you decide to work and what work you end up getting into. However, you are guaranteed to make Australian minimum wage ($19.49 AUD/hour), and as long as you’re working 28-38 hours per week, you’ll be making enough to live and travel on.

Wages and rent are paid weekly which makes budgeting your paychecks much easier:

These weekly costs will, of course, depend on your personal spending habits, where you live, how many hours you work, and if your job provides a higher pay/accommodation, but you should expect to be able to save some of your paycheck every week.

Although you will most likely spend any extra cash on travel opportunities in between jobs, you have the potential to make back your start up costs:

Monthly Savings =                               $410.20 AUD

Yearly Savings =                                   $4,922.40 AUD

During your first week in Sydney, you’ll have 7 days of activities and excursions where you’ll get to know fellow travelers and enjoy your introduction to this gorgeous country!

Monday: Check in, chill out and relax in preparation for a big week ahead! You will meet your group leader and the rest of your group, plus familiarize yourself with the team. You will also get a brief overview on what’s going to happen for the week ahead. Later you will visit a party bar for your Welcome Dinner!

Tuesday: After a good night’s sleep, join the comprehensive info / welcome orientation session where you’ll learn everything you need to know about working and travelling around Australia. Our team in Australia are all experienced travelers and have started where you are now. After the welcome orientation session, you’ll head to the city tour which kicks off at 11am.

You will see the Sydney Harbour Bridge & the Opera House and take a trip down to the Botanical Gardens. At the same time, you’ll be getting to know your new mates in Australia and taking some awesome photos to make your mates back home jealous!

Later, you will experience a different side of Sydney! During the evening the group will go for a relaxed walk through the historical suburbs of Sydney. On this walk, you’ll see some of the Indigenous and early European history of Sydney, one of the most multicultural parts of Australia.

Wednesday: You’ll start off the day attending a job search seminar to learn lots of tips and tricks about job search in Australia, then you’ll go for a cruise on Sydney Harbour. Spend the rest of the day cruising, swimming, and chilling on Sydney Harbour! You’ll also get to enjoy your first Aussie BBQ on deck!

Thursday: You can’t come to Sydney and not visit the Blue Mountains! This morning, you’ll escape the city and travel to the Blue Mountains National Park, a short drive from Sydney. Enjoy hiking, visit waterfalls, spot wild kangaroos, and take in some of the Bluey’s spectacular views!

Friday: Happy Friday! You will visit Sydney’s famous cliff-top coastline and walk from Coogee to Bondi beach. You’ll explore six beaches along the way! It’s the perfect way to take multiple swims or work on your tan before taking in the sights of Bondi!

Saturday: Immerse yourself in the true-blue Aussie tradition that is ‘catching a wave’ at our half day group surf lessons. Our qualified and local surf guide will teach you the ins and outs of surfing with ocean safety, surfing techniques, warm-up, and time in the water. You’ll be gliding along a wave in no time. After a day at the beach, you’ll get dressed up for a fun night on the town! Meet the group at one of our favorite party bars before starting our Sydney Pub Crawl.

Sunday: Your first week down under comes to an end. The itinerary is over, but your adventure continues – on Sunday our team will assist you with any remaining questions you’ve got and also onward travel planning.

*** Welcome week activities are subject to change based on seasonality.

During your first week in Sydney, you’ll attend a brief orientation to prepare you for your job and housing search. Before you arrive, your bank account will already be opened – you won’t have to research Australian banks or finalize your account. Instead, the team will have prepared all of your paperwork in advance. They will also set you up for the Australian tax system and give you your Tax ID so you file taxes before you leave.

During orientation you will meet the team and get all the information necessary to start planning your time in Australia. You will learn about life in Australia, when to work, where to work, where to travel and when to travel.

At orientation, you will:

• Learn about Australian culture!
• Review the yearly job market; what jobs are abundant and where.
• Be introduced to online job boards for future jobs.
• Sign up for any required courses you may need to be eligible for work, like the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) if you plan to work in environments where you serve alcohol (resorts, bars, cruise ships)*
• Receive assistance in finding short or long term accommodation.
• Receive tax ID and learn how to file taxes when you leave the country.

*These courses may or not be available, as not all services are fully up and running

Job Consultation

You will have the opportunity to meet with a job consultant and talk about your resume, what other skills you may have that aren’t listed on your resume, and to set your expectations for the type of work that you would be best suited for.

After the job consultant gets to know you a little better, you will be put on an Availability List along with all the other travelers. This list shows who is available to work, what their skills and preferences are as well as who is traveling and unavailable for work. This list is constantly changing as 50-60 employers call every day looking for employees to start working ASAP.

Our in-country staff will call you to let you know when you have been matched with a job, which you can take or turn down. Travelers who are open minded to the work they do may start working the day after they are placed on the Availability list, where others may hold out for their preferred position or decide to travel first. If you’re looking to work, you should expect to have a job within 2-3 weeks.

You may use this method to find work later in the year, though most travelers prefer to use the online job board to find subsequent work, especially if they have relocated outside of Sydney.

Most of your job opportunities will be in the Sydney area and in the southern region of Australia around Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns. Resort and agriculture jobs are offered in the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. Greenheart Travel’s partner has professional relationships with trusted employers around Australia who pay fair wages and alert us whenever they have positions available.

What are the most common job types?

Hospitality, customer service, and office work are by far the most common job type as Australian companies report that the high level of service in the US and Canada tends to produce workers who are well-suited for these types of positions.

Seasonal work in amusement parks, resorts, and on offshore cruises, etc. are great positions for more consistent and long-term jobs (3-6 months) where jobs in restaurants, bars, hostels, and hotels are widely available for shorter contracts.

Working on farms and WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) are also popular among Working Holiday travelers who want to experience a different type of work outside of a city.

Can I change jobs while I am there?

Yes. Many jobs are seasonal, so it is likely you will hold more than one job in your host country. Also, visa requirements dictate that you will not be allowed to work for a given employer for a period longer than six months. Due to these factors, most Work and Travel travelers hold 2-3 jobs over the duration of their stay, which is a great way to travel to different parts of the country and experience as much authentic Aussie culture as you can!

You will have access to an online job board which will enable you to check employment postings wherever you are. You should also call or visit the Center in Sydney regularly to keep informed of new work opportunities.

Greenheart Traveler, Ashana, and her fruit picking co-workers!

There are advantages of applying for this program through us:

• 33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs.
• Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program manager!
• We make our program fees as inclusive as possible. We include things like extensive medical insurance for the duration of the program, airport pickup, and extensive pre-departure and on-program support, so you’re not on your own for any part of your adventure.
• Our alumni recommend us! GoAbroad.com Reviews
• Exclusive access to the Greenheart Atlas, our interactive program that will guide you through your cultural immersion experience before, during, and after your program.
• Hands on support and personal attention every step of the way.
• 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time.
• Pre-departure “Culture Shock and Adjustment” Webinar before you leave.
• Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs.
• We are a non-profit, mission based organization.
• Continued support throughout your program.

We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel participants and alumni!

• Greenheart Grants: Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here.
• Greenheart Alumni Program: We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange!
• Greenheart Global Leaders Conference: Each August Greenheart offers full ride scholarships to over 40 alumni to attend our annual conference in Washington, DC. Participants even get a chance to advocate for cultural exchange in a presentation to the US Department of State. You can see more about what GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.

Read more about why people are choosing Greenheart Travel: Why Choose Greenheart Travel? 

What will my first week look like?

Your first week is a time of exploration, preparation, and fun!

All programs begin on Thursdays. The program start date that you select from our website will be your arrival date. Our travelers use this time to settle into their accommodation, review their itinerary for the week, explore a bit, and recharge for the rest of the welcome week ahead!

The next 6 days will be dedicated to reviewing job resources, becoming familiar with local transportation, learning about housing, solidifying tax documents, meeting new friends, and getting to know Australia!

Where will I live during welcome week?

We have all of our travelers meet up at a hostel in the center of Sydney so everyone can get acquainted! For the first week you will live in shared hostel accommodation.

Where will I live when I am hired?

Shared flats, hostels, Airbnbs, and homestays are all potential accommodation options based on the lifestyle you would like to lead (i.e. backpacker or sedentary).

Some jobs, especially those on resorts and farms, include housing or subsidized housing. Our in-country partner does take housing requests within the Sydney and Melbourne area. Regardless of where you plan to live, they are happy to provide guidance and resources to help you find accommodation.

As a note, Sydney generally has the highest cost-of-living. In Sydney, you will likely pay $160-$200 for a shared room per week. If you want your own room, it is more expensive. If you are staying a while, think about renting an apartment with some friends or moving in with some Aussies, as it is generally the cheapest option. However, some jobs will only be short term (1-2 months) and it can be difficult to find a short or open lease, so you may need to spend more towards $200 AUD/week to stay at a hostel. Melbourne and other major cities have a lower cost of living than in Sydney, but most jobs are available in and around Sydney.

Do I have to stay for the full 12 months?

No, you don’t have to stay for the full 12 months.

We recommend that our travelers plan a trip that is 3 months or longer, but it isn’t mandatory. In our experience, we find that it takes our travelers a month or so to get acclimated in their new surroundings. The first few weeks are used to secure jobs, accommodation, and tax information. Having a handful of months in Australia will allow you to fully settle in, work, and travel comfortably.

If you’re looking for programs that range from 1, 2, or 3 months, take a look at a few of these program options:

• Work Abroad Argentina 
• Thailand Business Internship
• Homestay Abroad 

How long does it take the get a job?

This varies. During the busy season when lots of jobs are available, sometimes several job prospects are already awaiting you when you arrive and you can start work right away. Other times it can take up to 6 weeks. Usually if there is a delay it is because you have rejected initial job prospects because they did not meet your expectations for some reason.

Can I get a career-oriented job?

The visa you’ll get only allows you to work at any one job for 6 months or less. Since employers looking to fill high-skill positions generally want someone for longer than that, it’s unlikely (although not impossible) that you’d get a more professional or high-skilled position. This program caters to people looking for a more casual work experience, and who are more focused on travel.

Can I work for longer than one year?

United States citizens are eligible for a second Working Holiday visa if they spend 3 months working in Northern Australia in one of the following industries:

• plant and animal cultivation
• fishing and pearling
• tree farming and felling
• tourism and hospitality

This means you could work for three months in one place, then have 21 more months to work and travel as you please in Australia! Our in-country staff will help you secure this type of work if you’re interested in taking advantage of this policy.

Will I need a car?

No, public transportation is widely available in Australia, especially within the cities and urban areas.

Will I meet other travelers?

Yes, we’ve designed this as a group program! Each start date allows for up to 25 travelers.

Our welcome week includes an orientation in addition to numerous group activities that allow you to meet a bunch of individuals who are also looking to work and travel throughout the country. Since you’re all on the same program, you’ll already have a lot in common!

What qualities does Greenheart Travel look for in Australia Work Abroad applicants?

We look for applicants that are open-minded, flexible, adventurous, hardworking, and communicative!

Open-mindedness and flexibility are qualities that we seek because it is not uncommon that travelers work 2-3 jobs during their stay abroad. Not everyone will start off with their dream job, BUT everyone gains valuable experience—the more open-minded you are, the sooner you will find work!

Adventurous individuals are great for this program because Australia provides ample opportunity for travelers to be engaged in nature and participate in exciting activities.

We seek hardworking and communicative individuals because each traveler must be willing to do their share of work in order to solidify housing and employment. Our team works hard to assist and support our travelers, but travelers must be willing to attend job interviews and communicate with our team abroad.

1.   Start Your Application  Here .  You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application.

2. Submit Basic Program Information:  The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

3. Submit your Application Fee : A $300 fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee. If we are unable to accept you following your interview (very unlikely!) we will refund your application fee in full.

4.   Complete Application & Documents :  Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

5.   Zoom Interview: Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.

6. You’re Accepted!  Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews.

7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $300 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

9. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to Australia! The rest of your balance is due 60 days before you leave.

The above process can take as little as 1 week to complete, so it’s up to you how quickly you’re able to complete each step.

Take a glimpse into life in Australia through some Greenheart Traveler’s photos. Make sure to also check out #greenhearttravel on Instagram for more!

Sound like your kind of adventure?

Want access to our Facebook group to talk with travelers on this program? Click here! ​

Greenheart Travel Adventures

Alumni spotlight on nora weiss: finding perspective, patience and mermaid pools in australia, how to navigate an international airport, ashana’s nine months in australia: work, save and then travel.

• American Summers

Work & Travel Australia

Experience living and working in austrailia.

While a working holiday in Australia is quite a new concept for Americans, it’s a rite of passage, a matter of when, not if, for many young people across the globe. Their friends and family have done it and exclaim ‘you just have to do it’. A working holiday in Australia can offer you so much, it allows you to get out of our comfort zone, experience living and working in a new country, meeting new people, picking up new skills and broadening your horizons and opinions on matters further afield than your front door. A working holiday in Australia is a truly life changing experience that can only benefit you on a personal, and professional level. For an employer, someone that has done a working holiday, demonstrates that they are adaptable, independent, flexible, dynamic, organized, can think on their feet and isn’t overawed by new challenges.

So Why Australia?

Australia has so much to offer. This is a country that is home to:

• The Great Barrier Reef
• Global cities such as Sydney and Melbourne
• K’Gari (Fraser Island), world’s biggest sand island
• Uniquely incredible wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos
• It’s a place where you can surf, ski and scuba dive, all within a week if you want!

So how does a working holiday in Australia work?

Americans are able to get a Work and Holiday visa ($462AUD). Some facts about the visa:

• It is for people between 18-30: This is a pretty big age gap and gives a lot of people the opportunity to participate.
• It lasts 12 months (initially): This is great as it means that you have time to experience working in different places, as well as travel around, ticking off your Aussie bucket list.
• It can be extended: By doing specified work (rural work, tourism and hospitality) in specific areas, you’re eligible to get a 2nd and 3rd year visa.
• The 2nd and 3rd year visas don’t have to be used immediately: This is great because it means you can complete your first year and the specified work within it, then decide whether you immediately extend your visa or return at another time.
• The Wages Are High: Australian wages are very good. The minimum wage is $19.83AUD for full- time work and $25.41AUD for casual work.
• Businesses love internationals: So many different businesses love to enrich their workforce by employing the working holiday participants. This works especially well in seasonal jobs.
• There are so many other people just like you: Over 200,000 a year do a working holiday in Australia.

Watch this video and be inspired by fellow Americans that recently did a working holiday in Australia.

Job Opportunities

In-depth, customized employment help.

Understandably, getting a job is something that is on the front of people’s minds. You’ll be in a new country, with no contacts and no previous work experience there.  Welcome to Travel’s founders were previously working holiday makers and they understand your needs and wants firsthand. They’ve used their, their team’s and all of their travelers’ experience to create in depth, customized employment help for when you arrive.

This includes

• An employment presentation
• CV/Resume Writing Help
• Interview Questions Help
• Australia workplace specific advice
• Access to a live job portal
• A 2-hour employment and travel advice 1:1 meeting (on tour)
• Access to an employer database
• Regular job opportunities emailed
• Monthly Work and Travel Drop in Clinics

Just like the accommodation help, as long as you’re in Australia, our partner Welcome to Travel will be able to help with your employment needs. A lot of people also want to know what they can earn when in Australia.

Hospitality is a hugely popular sector for people on a working holiday. Australia doesn’t have a tipping culture and the tip you’d expect in the US, is already factored into wages in Australia, where wages are high.

The minimum wage is:

• Part-Time/Full-Time: $19.83AUD
• Casual Work: $25.41AUD

We’ve explained more on wages and cost of living in these really helpful blogs and vlogs here:

• The Positive Change to Fruit Picking Wages
• The Big Mac Equation
• How does Australia’s Minimum Wage Compare?

On the IENA Work & Travel Australia Program, you can take any job you are qualified to do, but can only work for the same employer for six months’ maximum. Work and Holiday Visa holders can take casual incidental work to supplement their income while exploring this amazing country. If you would prefer to stay in one location, that is okay too! It’s your choice! We have hundreds of live job listings which are no more than 3 weeks old. Find current job listings .

I think this program is an amazing opportunity for inner growth and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a life-changing experience.

Accommodations

Welcome week.

Our Partner – Welcome to Travel’s Hosts Welcome Weeks which include 7 nights dorm accommodation. Having your first week is such a great feeling as it means you can relax and get used to a Country and City, with that added support. Not only this but they are also able to help organize your accommodation before and after the tour, whether that’s another night in the same hostel, or a week’s accommodation 3500km away. Not only can they do that, they offer advice on longer term accommodation in an apartment/house in Australia. As long as you’re in Australia, Welcome to Travel is able to help with your accommodation needs.

To give you an idea on the cost of accommodation, check out our estimates below:

• Extra hostel night with Welcome to Travel: $35AUD
• Long term hostel: $165-$220 AUD a week
• Room in an apartment: $180-$250AUD a week

Travel Information

What to see in australia.

Enough about working, let’s talk about travelling around this incredible country. The best thing about Australia’s high wages is it means more money to experience more things, in more places!

From surf to desert to city, Australia really does have it all and the list of travelling opportunities is well and truly endless. Australia’s golden trail for travelers is the East Coast. The traditional East Coast route is the 2500km of road stretching from Melbourne to Cairns.

There are thousands of backpackers and students on their own journey but on a similar path, getting the experiences they want to. This journey includes all of those places you’ve heard of such as:

• Surfers Paradise
• Fraser Island
• Whitsundays
• Magnetic Island

On this route you can experience incredible things such as:

• Surf world class surf beaches
• Visit 1 of 2 Everglades National Parks
• Watch sunset in Australia’s most easterly point
• Drive a 4WD around the world’s biggest sand island
• Spend 2 days/2 nights on the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the World’s Best Beach
• Snorkel or Scuba Dive The Great Barrier Reef
• Visit the World’s Oldest Rainforest

With so many travelers in Australia, there are plenty of great options for travelling around. You can choose to travel the East Coast in a car or campervan rental with friends, or by taking the bus. The bus is perfect for solo travelers as the ticket last for 3 months and lets you get off in one town, explore the place for a few days before getting back on the bus to the next town when you’d like to move on. This is called a Hop-On Hop Off bus pass and it’s extremely cost effective.

Once again, this throws up many questions and there are so many different things you can do. Welcome to Travel’s expertise really has no limits and they help with every single aspect of travelling Australia. You may want to book a 5 week East Coast trip, 1 day car hire in Brisbane, a 5 day Scuba Diving Trip on the Great Barrier Reef or a 3 month Campervan hire around the country, they can help with any of it.

Welcome to Travel is a great place to learn more about the East Coast, as well as get in touch for help on the adventure you’d like to take. Don’t worry if you’d like help travelling to somewhere other than the East Coast, they can do that too.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking to be inspired whilst also learning about Australia, check out Welcome to Travel’s helpful blogs and videos .

Questions About Traveling

Yes, you do! If you’re coming here just as a tourist to visit Australia, you’ll need a Visitor Visa. If you’re coming here to work while you’re on holiday, you’ll need either a Working Holiday Visa ($417AUD) or a Work and Holiday Visa ($462AUD), depending on which country you’re from. Find more information and a list of the various visas .

Questions About a Working Holiday in Australia

Our Partner – Welcome to Travel will provide exclusive tips, resources, and guidance towards finding a job and farm work in Australia.

They will provide you with all the basic information needed to get started, and give you access to Their huge database of employers and contacts in sectors such as hospitality, retail, construction, sales and marketing and many more. This is all before having a 1-on-1 meeting with them, where they will go over how they can specifically help you find work. They also send out a weekly update email that highlights the most recent job and farm work opportunities they come across.

Do I have to do farm/regional work? No! However, if you are on a working holiday visa ($417AUD) and want to extend your visa to a 2nd or even a 3rd year, then you would need to do some specified work, often farm work/rural work. All the necessary specifications can be found on the government website. How do I get a 2nd year and 3rd visa?

If you are on a Working Holiday Visa ($417AUD) or Work and Holiday Visa ($462AUD) then you need to complete at least 3 months of specified work in a specific area of Australia to earn a 2nd year visa.

The specified work differs between $417AUD and $462AUD visas. $462AUD visa holders have the additional sector of tourism and hospitality (in northern Australia only) added to the specified work list. You can find all the necessary specifications for a $417AUD visa and a  $462AUD visa on the government website.

How do I apply for a visa?

We recommend applying as soon as possible. The application can be completed through your travel agent, or directly through the same Australian Government website as above.

We always recommend checking Australian Government website for any specific inquiries.

What is Superannuation and am I entitled to it? Superannuation is Australia’s pension fund scheme.

Being on a working holiday, you’re entitled to have a superannuation account and your employers have to pay into this account. Do I need a bank account?

If you’re traveling as a tourist for just a few weeks, you don’t need one – a travel card will be great. With cheap rates, tiny fees and a really to use app, we always recommend Wise .

If you’re here for a longer period of time (for example, on a Working Holiday Visa) then it’s highly recommended to open an Australian bank account. It’s an extremely easy process that our Partner – Welcome tours will assist you with. Not only will you save a lot on exchange/transaction fees, but employers will only pay wages into an Australian account. Don’t worry about it now, Welcome tours will help set it up for you in the weeks leading up to your arrival.

What is a Tax File Number?

This is basically a personal identity number created for you by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It is required if you want to work in Australia, so that you can be correctly taxed on your income from day one.

You will provide this number to each employer you have while you are in Australia and your tax will be deducted from your wage accordingly, just as it would be in your home country.

Application and Fees

Stage 1 of the application.

Please set up an IENA account and complete the online IENA Outbound Program application. We will assess your application and then invoice you for payment of our program fee. After payment is processed and you are accepted to the program you will be emailed stage two of the application process.

Stage 2 of the Application

• Applying for your visa – don’t’ worry, IENA will provide step-by-step instructions and guidance on how to secure your visa!
• Booking your flight to Australia – IENA’s preferred travel provider can assist with flights.
• Purchasing travel and medical insurance – it is a visa requirement that you have proof of medical coverage (including medical evacuation and repatriation of remains) on entry to Australia. Note: You will not be covered under the socialized medical system in place in Australia.
• Job reference from a previous or current employer.

Application Deadlines: Please allow 4-6 weeks for application processing.

Program Fees

Essentials: $485

Other costs to consider for all options:

• Flights – Special flight deals are available through our preferred travel provider
• Travel and medical insurance (this is a visa requirement)
• Visa fee currently AU$485
• Support funds equivalent to AU$5,000 (this is a visa requirement)

Cancellation Conditions

If you cancel from the program before your stage two deadline you will be charged a cancellation fee of $100. If you cancel after you have reached stage two, no refund is possible.

Any cancellation must be received in writing and is only effective from the date we receive it. Please note that separate cancellation fees and conditions will undoubtedly apply to any flight bookings you make.

Join one of the best work and travel programs today!

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Work & Travel Australia

Applications Open. Sign Up Today!

Now is a great time to apply for Work & Travel Australia. Included is not just an arrival week...it is a comprehensive package of jobs, travel, 24/7 support PLUS everything else you need in order to take the work out of your Working Holiday. Choose our pre-departure job option and your job will be locked in before you leave home!

Our experienced Work & Travel team can give you bespoke recommendations and insider knowledge about accommodation, travel and jobs. If you want to explore Australia, then Work & Travel is a great resource to have at your fingertips. Our team is on hand to provide comprehensive support to you throughout your entire time in Australia.

Learn More...

How It Works

Work & Travel Australia helps you with the big first steps in your experience down under. Whether it is finding work or seeking the best deal on a Reef tour, we have you sorted!

Lock in your job before you leave or use the AIFS' Job Desk after you arrive. We provide expert advice including one-on-one consultations and CV checking service.

We pride ourselves on being upfront and honest about our fees so you know exactly the costs, where your fees go, what's included and what's not. Our package includes all the essentials that you’ll need plus a few extras to make sure you have the best experience possible.

What’s Included

Orientation.

AIFS' Orientation covers job, travel, setting up your tax and bank account, plus all the information you need to get started.

Make the most of your time and budget - AIFS' dedicated travel desk will help you build the perfect travel plan.

Social Events

Travelling alone? No problem! With AIFS you have ready made opportunities to mix and mingle. Find new friends to work and travel together.

Money & Basics

Start your program with a bank account already sorted. We'll show you how to get set up for tax and all the other important money matters you'll encounter in Australia.

Get Started

Don't miss your chance to start your Working Holiday down under. Apply today or speak with one of our consultants.

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Global travel advisory

For all essential travel, check travel advisories and requirements before you leave Canada.

Follow all additional local public health measures while travelling.

Stay informed when you  return to Canada .

How to apply

Who can apply.

To work in Australia through the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), you must

• be a Canadian citizen
• be between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive)
• have a valid Canadian passport

Other requirements may apply, check  Australia’s website  for more details.

What type of work visa do I need?

You need to apply for a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417).

Do I need a formal job or internship offer?

No, you don’t need a job offer (prearranged contract of employment) or a formal internship offer.

In  most cases , you can work for the same employer for a maximum of 6 months.

How long can I stay and work?

You can participate in Australia’s Working Holiday program up to 3 times (for a total of 36 months).

For the first 12-month participation:  You can work for up to 12 months (typically 6 months maximum per employer) and study for up to 4 months. The total participation is 12 months.

For the second 12-month participation:  You can work for up to 12 months and study for up to 4 months. The total participation is 12 months.

• You can only participate if you completed at least  3 months  of “ Specified work ” while holding your  first  Working Holiday visa.

For the third 12-month participation:  You can work for up to 12 months and study for up to 4 months. The total participation is 12 months.

• You can only participate if you completed at least  6 months  of “ Specified work ” while holding your  second  Working Holiday visa.

Specified work

Specified work is work that is undertaken in a specific field or industry (typically in agriculture, construction, fishing, or mining) in a designated regional area (typically rural or remote communities).

Start your Adventure

About australia.

Australia is on the world’s smallest continent, but is the sixth-largest country. Its amazing geography includes mountains, deserts, tropical forests, cultural cities and over 23,000 kilometres of coastline. There is no shortage of things to see and do once you arrive! Find out how you can get to Australia with International Experience Canada.

Economy and jobs

The Australian economy is well developed and among the largest in the world, focusing on IT, finance and tourism. Australia also has strong mining, manufacturing and agriculture industries.

Culture and language

Australia’s more than 500 First Nations give it a rich Indigenous history. They are a part of the longest continuous culture on earth.

English is the most common language in Australia, but Australia is also home to more than 45 Indigenous languages.

Plan your trip

The best way to make sure your trip is the experience of a lifetime is to plan. Review our  travel checklist  to find out what you should know or do before travelling to a foreign country and working there.

Before you leave, remember to  register as a Canadian abroad  to receive notifications in case of an emergency while you are abroad or of a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.

Recognized organizations

Need help planning? One of International Experience Canada’s  recognized organizations  might be able to help you find a job and transportation, and provide travel advice.

Most recognized organizations charge a fee for their services.

Read the guide

Australia’s working holiday guide

This guide provides tips and resources on working in Australia.

Tourism Australia

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Australia urges Israel and Iran to avoid ‘spiral of violence’; Dfat issues Middle East travel advice – as it happened

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• Australia ‘extremely concerned’ after Israeli airstrikes on Iran confirmed by US
• Nine-year-old among four killed in car crash in Western Australia
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• 19h ago What we learned, Friday 19 April
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• 1d ago Samantha Ratnam to step down as leader of Victorian Greens for federal tilt
• 1d ago Disability and mental health check for accused terror teenager
• 1d ago Opposition leader says Palestinian state alongside Israel not ‘conceivable’ until Hamas defeated
• 1d ago Youth on welfare ‘pushed’ into homelessness, report shows
• 1d ago Young people concerned government isn't planning for the long-term, thinktank says
• 1d ago Canavan declares ‘king coal’s reign continues’ as climate crisis continues to worsen
• 1d ago Civil liberties council ‘concerned’ by push for tougher penalties on parents if children found with knives
• 1d ago AFP commissioner outlines facts of Wakeley stabbing case, calls for unity
• 1d ago Shorten suggests ‘more soldiers and police officers’ should be patrolling shopping centres
• 1d ago Planned surgery wait times longest on record, medical association says
• 1d ago Joint Jewish, Muslim and Christian statement released following recent tensions and violence
• 1d ago Alleged offender in Wakeley church stabbing to face bedside court
• 1d ago Violence against women a ‘scourge’ that is ‘perpetrated by men’, attorney-general says
• 1d ago First navy officers assigned to US Virginia class submarines
• 1d ago Good morning
• 1d ago Bondi Junction Westfield to reopen for trade after stabbings
• 1d ago Welcome

PM says social media firms have ‘responsibility to act’ on misinformation and graphic content

Anthony Albanese said social media companies “have a responsibility to act” when it comes to misinformation and violent images from its platforms.

Speaking to the media just now, he said:

It shouldn’t [take] the eSafety commissioner to intervene, to direct companies – in this case X and Meta – to take down violent videos that show people of lost their lives …

Albanese said images that were circulated from the Bondi Junction stabbing attack had a “real detrimental impact”. He said people with footage from the attack should have forwarded it to police to assist with their investigations, rather than post to social media.

[We all have] a responsibility, but the social media companies that make a lot of money out of their business have a social responsibility and I want to see social media companies start to understand their social responsibility that they have to others as well, because that’s where they get their social licence.

Federal government ‘committed’ to doing more to tackle violence against women, PM says

Turning to the mass stabbing attack at Bondi Junction last weekend, Albanese said that violence against women is “far too prevalent”. He also noted a demonstration held in Ballarat last week on the issue.

What we know is that violence against women is far too prevalent. It too often occurs from a partner or a family member and we know that the statistic of a woman on average dying every week due to violence from a partner or someone they know, it doesn’t tell the story – numbers don’t tell the story. These are human tragedies. As well, violence has an intergenerational impact on children who witness it in the home and we need to do more to combat violence against women. My government is committed to doing that and they know that state and territory governments are committed to that as well.

PM says ‘a range of programs’ aimed at supporting healthcare as AMA flags record surgery wait times

Anthony Albanese is speaking to the media from Melbourne, taking questions from reporters.

The PM is asked about a report from the Australian Medical Association showing planned surgery wait times in public hospitals are now the longest on record. We covered this earlier in the blog here .

Responding, Albanese said “doctors [are] interest groups in the lead up to a budget, there’s nothing unusual about people putting forward bids”.

He pointed to a national cabinet meeting last year which established principles to see the commonwealth provide increased support for the health and hospital systems in the states and territories.

In addition to that, we have a range of programs aimed at supporting primary healthcare as well, and that’s one way that you take pressure off the public hospital systems.

He pointed to urgent care clinics and said 58 were opened by the end of last year.

Youth on welfare ‘pushed’ into homelessness, report shows

Teenagers who rely on welfare to pay rent are being pushed towards homelessness and the situation is worse now than a year ago, AAP reports.

Analysis from Homelessness Australia has found people aged 16 and 17 continue to pay more than three-quarters of their income on rent.

Young tenants in Brisbane are in a worse situation now than 12 months ago as they have to dedicate 83% of their income toward housing, up from 76% in March 2023. Perth’s youth have also fallen behind, paying 76% of income – which is 2% higher than last year.

The percentage of income young tenants spend on rent has remained high elsewhere, but the situation is improving slowly.

The portion of income spent on rent is 94% in Sydney , 73% in Melbourne , 77% in Canberra , 63% in Darwin , 60% in Hobart and 59% in Adelaide . Homelessness Australia cross-referenced payments against rental prices for a two bedroom unit in major metropolitan areas to come up with the results.

Chief executive Kate Colvin said young renters were lower down the pecking order when seeking housing because they received less income support:

Right when they need stability to take their first steps in employment or further education they are pushed into poverty, resulting in social exclusion, mental illness and lost lifetime productivity. The costs and consequences of our warped housing system will only escalate for young people and the broader society, unless we make better choices.

Australia must protect multiculturalism, prime minister says

Anthony Albanese has defended Australia’s multiculturalism as cracks in social cohesion emerge after two stabbing attacks in Sydney, AAP reports.

The prime minister said multiculturalism had overwhelmingly been a success and the nation was enriched by the diversity. He told 3AW radio:

Multiculturalism has been a part of modern Australia, and people in cities like Melbourne and Sydney live in peace and harmony. We need to, like most things that are important in life … make sure that we nurture our multiculturalism, that we at all times show respect for each other.

Young people concerned government isn't planning for the long-term, thinktank says

A non-partisan thinktank run by younger Australians says political leaders should ensure they are planning for the long-term, with young people feeling “let down” and uncertain for the future amid overlapping crises.

Think Forward conducted a survey of almost 1,000 young Australians and found only 3% believe their political leaders are thinking for the long-term and have a good plan for the future.

The survey found young people believe a lack of long-term planning contributes to a range of crises, which are affecting their future prospects. This included climate change, the housing crisis, the tax system, growing intergenerational wealth inequality and the growing cost – but declining quality – of education.

The report reads:

Young people have little confidence that their political leaders can develop long- term, bold, and well-designed policy responses to difficult structural problems. A lack of long-term planning and policy action leaves younger generations in a precarious position with an uncertain future, buffeted by overlapping crises and declining economic outcomes.

Young people believe parliamentarians aren’t planning for the future because outside sources make it difficult, they are just in it for themselves, or they act for donors and lobbyists rather than for the community, the survey found.

The thinktank said there was a “political imperative” for parliamentarians to address the concerns of young people, as Millennials and Gen Z now make up almost 45% of voters.

Canavan declares ‘king coal’s reign continues’ as climate crisis continues to worsen

Queensland Nationals senator Matt Canavan has released a media statement claiming that “king coal’s reign continues”.

For some reason the press release forgets to mention coal’s role in climate breakdown, such as climate breakdown-induced food shortages , studies predicting that average incomes will fall by almost a fifth as a result of the climate crisis, and March seeing the 10th consecutive monthly record for global heating .

Canavan’s press release coincides with Pembroke Resources’ opening of their new Olive Downs steelmaking coalmine. Conservationists labelled public funding for the project as “deeply irresponsible” years ago:

When first announced , the coalmine was forecast to provide the state with $5.5bn in royalties and be in operation for 79 years. Canavan’s statement reads:

We’ve been told coal is dead as many times as the Great Barrier Reef, but the reality is both are thriving. Coal demand has never been higher.

As we have reported extensively on, the Great Barrier Reef is not “thriving”. It is currently facing its most severe coral bleaching on record as global heating pushes coral reefs across the world to the worst planet-wide bleaching on record .

Civil liberties council ‘concerned’ by push for tougher penalties on parents if children found with knives

The NSW Council for Civil Liberties says it is concerned by a push for criminal offences to be introduced for the parents of minors found with weapons, including knives.

It’s been reported that some NSW police officers have been calling for this change via the union, as we flagged earlier .

The council said data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research indicates knife crime has declined over recent consecutive years, and called on the state government to “resist populist calls for legislative change that will not make our communities safer”.

President Lydia Shelly said charging parents on the basis their child has committed an offence “oversimplifies the intricate circumstances surrounding children who have contact with the criminal justice system”:

The stance reportedly taken by NSW police poses significant risks to children. Parents facing criminal charges and a possible conviction may jeopardise their employment opportunities, destabilise their housing situation, and potentially disrupt their ability to maintain custody of their children.

Shelly said the state government should focus on strengthening families, and a whole-of-government approach was needed to prevent children from entering the criminal justice system in the first place.

Parents of children who have been charged with a criminal offence do not deserve to be demonised by the media, the NSW police or the NSW government.

NSW health minister flags increased talks between states around mental healthcare

The New South Wales health minister, Ryan Park, says there will be increased discussion between states to ensure pressures on the healthcare system can be alleviated.

He was answering a question on ABC TV about 40-year-old Joel Cauchi , who had recently moved from Brisbane to Sydney before carrying out the Bondi Junction stabbing attack. Cauchi’s family said he struggled with his mental health and had previously received treatment in Queensland .

Park said he and his colleague Rose Jackson would ensure NSW agencies contribute to the coronial inquest, which will work through some of these issues.

I have already asked our agencies to have a look if there are any areas where we can improve that information exchange or information flow. We know that this person wasn’t a person treated through the NSW mental health services but that doesn’t mean we can’t, as policymakers and legislators, look at ways in which we can make our system stronger … I want to emphasise this was a person who had only recently come into NSW, had not had anything to do at this stage with our mental health services and tragically, was clearly very, very, unwell. Unfortunately the randomness of this type of attack made it very difficult for any health service to try to provide the care that that person clearly needed.

John Mullen to commence on Qantas board more than two months earlier than planned

John Mullen will commence as non-executive director and chairman-elect of Qantas from Monday, more than two months earlier than previously announced.

Qantas confirmed Richard Goyder remains as chairman. As previously reported, Goyder will retire before the company’s annual general meeting in late 2024.

A statement published today reads:

Mr Mullen’s position on the Board will be put to a shareholder vote at the AGM. He expects to reduce his existing professional commitments over time.

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Government 'urges' Australians to leave Israel and Palestine in view of 'deterioration' of stability in the region

The government has issued an alarming warning to Australians living in Israel and Palestine as fears grow of war in the Middle East.

The federal government has urged Australians to leave Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories as tensions flare in the Middle East.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) made the announcement after Israel reportedly attacked Iran on Friday in retaliation to an Iranian strike five days ago.

DFAT’s website Smarttraveller has urged Australians to “depart if it’s safe to do so” in view of possible “deterioration” in the region.

There are about 10,000 to 12,000 Australians living in Israel according to DFAT.

“There’s a high threat of military reprisals and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region,” the statement said.

“The security situation could deteriorate quickly, with little or no notice. We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall and whether you need to remain in country.”

DFAT also posted on X, formerly Twitter, alerting Australians there had been "reports of explosions across some locations in the Middle East” and warned of “airspace closures” and “flight cancellations”.

Government officials have been directed not to leave the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Ramallah regions.

“Israel is a target for terrorism, rocket fire and military confrontation. Terrorist attacks could happen at any time or anywhere. Always be alert. Have an exit plan,” the travel advice has stated.

Previously, the government had told Australians to leave conflict areas and depart the country if concerned.

There’s a high threat of military reprisals & terrorist attacks against Israel & Israeli interests across the region. The security situation could deteriorate quickly. We urge Australians in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories to depart if it's safe to do so. (1/3) — Smartraveller (@Smartraveller) April 19, 2024

Iranian media reported Friday morning at least three explosions near a military base located northwest of the city of Isfahan, where Iran's largest nuclear facility is located, south of the country's capital Tehran.

US officials have told media it was an Israeli attack.

Last week, Iran launched an unprecedented strike against Israel in response to an earlier IDF attack on the Iranian Consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus.

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April 11, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Heather Chen , Antoinette Radford, Tori B. Powell , Aditi Sangal and Elise Hammond , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

UN committee fails to reach consensus on full Palestinian membership, Security Council president says

From CNN’s Richard Roth and Michael Rios

A specialized UN committee failed to reach a consensus Thursday on Palestinian membership in the United Nations, according to the president of the UN Security Council.

Two-thirds of the committee members were in favor of moving on with membership, with many countries arguing that “Palestine fulfills all the criteria that are required” to be granted full state member status, Malta's Ambassador and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier said. 

She added that no one explicitly objected to the membership qualifications.

Frazier also said she would circulate a draft report on the deliberations as soon as Friday. If the committee doesn’t agree on the report, it could hold another meeting to iron out any differences.

Asked whether the process of deliberating Palestinian membership in the committee is now over, Frazier said, “Unless the next step of agreeing (to) the report of the committee warrants another meeting to iron out the differences, it’s not foreseen that there would be any further committee action.”

But she noted that any UN Security Council member can still table a resolution to vote on Palestinian membership at any time, regardless of the committee's report.

The US and Middle East brace for a possible Iran attack that could escalate the conflict. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Concerns about a possible Iranian attack against Israel has prompted many diplomatic conversations around the globe.

Here are some developments on diplomacy around the threat of an attack:

• Iran's statement: The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.
• US and UK diplomacy: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers of Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night and Thursday morning to tell them that countries should be urging Iran not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East after  threats made by Tehran against Israel,  according to a State Department spokesperson. The top US general for the Middle East is also in Israel . Additionally, Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict .
• Israel receives US support: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The US officials expressed the country's support for Israel against Iranian threats. Gallant warned that such an attack could lead to a regional escalation.
• Travel restrictions: The US State Department restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran. “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted. US officials  are on high alert  for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Meanwhile, here's some other updates:

• Hamas on hostages: A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations. "Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza, Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose."
• Updates on aid to Gaza: It is clear that Israel is working to ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza, but it has not yet implemented all of the measures it has announced, a top United Nations humanitarian official said. Aid coming in trucks from Israel has to be "segregated from water, from food, from medical items" before it goes into Gaza, said Jamie McGoldrick, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Jerusalem. “Getting 400 trucks from Kerem Shalom doesn't mean 400 trucks go into Gaza,” he said, adding that the logistical complications are numerous, and take time to resolve. He also said Israel’s restrictions on movement inside the strip complicate matters.

Anera charity resumes work in Gaza after pausing when Israeli strike killed 7 World Central Kitchen staff

From CNN's Tala Alrajjal and Mohammed Tawfeeq

American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) has resumed Gaza operations "after a temporary pause" following an airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers on April 1.

"As you know, the decision to temporarily pause our operations was not an easy one. We followed the direction of our staff in Gaza, who've faced death, loss, and destruction since the start of the war," Sean Carroll, the president and CEO of Anera, said in a statement on Thursday. "After the killing of Anera staff member Mousa Shawwa , followed by the attack that killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, we made the difficult but necessary decision to pause aid operations on April 2," Carroll added in the statement.

Carroll said Israeli authorities informed him during a meeting Thursday that "certain measures would be taken to protect humanitarian aid workers in Gaza – including Anera's staff."

"With the full support of our Gaza team, we have determined that the circumstances have changed sufficiently to resume our vital humanitarian work in Gaza," Carroll said. 

Anera on Thursday resumed "full operations in Gaza to deliver meals, food parcels, hygiene kits, tents, medical treatments, and more to families in dire need," according to the statement.

Iran says its imperative to punish Israel could have been avoided had UN Security Council condemned attack

From CNN’s Natalie Barr and Adam Pourahmadi

The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.

“Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," the  mission said on X.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack on April 1, according to a statement from the UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric. A Security Council discussion was held on April 2 to discuss the attack, but differences among members prevented any formal action or condemnation from taking place.

The United States is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region  in response to the strike in Damascus  that killed top Iranian commanders.

UK foreign secretary warns Iran not to draw Middle East into wider conflict

From CNN's Natalie Barr

Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict following a series of escalating threats made by Iran toward Israel.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that the United Kingdom was "deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks," according to a post on X .

Iran's state-aligned Tasnim news agency on Thursday reported that Amir-Abdollahian had told Cameron that the silence from the UK and the United States following Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week only served to encourage Israel to continue waging war in Gaza and expand its conflict in the region.

US and Israeli defense leaders discuss fears of Iranian attack

From CNN’s Michael Conte in Washington, DC, Tamar Michaelis in Jerusalem and Larry Register in Atlanta

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today to “reaffirm the US ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

The call comes a day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel " must be punished and it will be" following a strike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed seven Iranian officials.

Israel “will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory,” the statement read, adding that the two defense leaders also discussed detailed preparations “for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel.”

Gallant said an Iranian attack on Israel could lead to a regional escalation.

It is the second discussion held between Gallant and Austin over the past week, according to the statement. Gallant expressed his appreciation for Austin’s personal commitment to the security of the State of Israel and for the deepening cooperation between the defense establishments of both countries, as well as between the Israel Defense Forces and US CENTCOM.

State Department restricts personnel travel in Israel amid concerns over Iranian threats

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The US State Department has restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” a  security alert  posted by the US Embassy Thursday said. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.” “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said he would not “speak to the specific assessments that led to us to restrict our employees and family members’ personal travel, but clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel.”

“We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days,” Miller said. “Israel is in a very tough neighborhood and we have been monitoring the security situation. You saw us slightly adjust for travel warnings at the beginning of this conflict and we conduct ongoing assessments all the time about the situation on the ground.”

US officials are on high alert for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Hamas says ceasefire with Israel is essential to collect data on hostages held in Gaza by different groups

From CNN's Abeer Salman and Mohammed Tawfeeq

A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations.

"Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose," he added.

Naim's statement was in response to questions from media outlets about whether Hamas has been rejecting the latest proposal, which was made in Cairo over the weekend, because it can not release 40 hostages in the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire deal.

According to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions, Hamas indicated it is currently unable to identify and track down those 40 Israeli hostages, raising fears that more hostages may be dead than are publicly known. 

CNN's record of the conditions of the hostages also suggests there are fewer than 40 living hostages who meet the proposed criteria.

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Jacinda Ardern slashed negative gearing in NZ. The new government has brought it back

New Zealand is under new management and one of the major tax changes Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has made is set to benefit property investors the most.

Until 2021, investors across the ditch had a similar, albeit not as generous, tax advantage as offered by Australia's much-debated negative gearing.

Landlords were able to fully claim any interest paid on mortgaged investment properties as a deduction against rental income, meaning they could lower their tax bill.

But Jacinda Ardern's government made a few key changes to how investment properties were taxed and one of them included phasing out the ability for their owners to claim interest as a deduction.

This change did not apply to new builds, with the government saying at the time it wanted to "curb investors' appetite for existing residential properties".

The idea was to drive investors away from properties that first-home buyers might have had a chance at buying while keeping them interested in building much-needed new homes.

Three years later and the Ardern-era change has been scrapped.

By this time next year, landlords of both existing or new-build properties will once again be able to claim 100 per cent of their interest expenses as a tax deduction.

So did the Ardern change get a chance to impact the property market and what can Australia learn from the experiment?

What happened to house prices? 

The Ardern government had pledged to address New Zealand's entrenched housing crisis when it came to power in 2017.

But by 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic had brought another crisis and by the time New Zealand emerged from its elimination strategy, house prices had surged to record levels.

New Zealand Reserve Bank data showed that throughout that year, the median house price increased by 27.2 per cent.

The then government brought in a raft of changes , including removing the ability for landlords of existing residential properties to claim interest as a tax deduction.

House prices did begin to fall at the start of 2022, as did the share of the market held by investors, while the first home buyer presence has been increasing.

But several experts warn it is very difficult to attribute that change to any one policy when the dominant force on the market was likely the direction of interest rates.

Landlords lost the ability to fully claim the interest paid on their investment properties on March 27, 2021, but it was just three weeks earlier that the official cash rate started to climb. 

Chief economist at Infometrics Brad Olsen said there were some indicators of the impact of removing a landlord's ability to save on their tax bill by claiming their interest payments.

"You did see a larger pullback on levels of new mortgage commitments going to investors after the announcements were carried through for the likes of interest deductibility," he said.

"Previously, you were seeing figures around 20-25 per cent of the value of new mortgage commitments were going to investors. That dropped below 20 per cent from about April 2021 onwards and has remained lower since then.

"And at the same time, we've seen it pick up for first homebuyers. And that was because with deductibility having been taken away, that didn't make it quite as financially sustainable for people to be thinking about additional rental properties." 

In terms of just how much New Zealand landlords can save with deductibility, Mr Olsen provides an example. It uses current interest rates.

"An investor of an average priced home assuming the current rental yield, would be having to put in $NZ466 each week cashflow wise to support that house," he said. "Even with deductibility — when you can offset the interest payments against your tax bill — those property investors would still be having to sink in $NZ375 a week to support their investments. "So cashflow wise, those high interest rates are still pretty restrictive no matter if you've got deductibility or not."

Did it impact rents? 

As the new New Zealand government announced full interest deductibility was coming back, it was billed as a win for renters.

"Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The government's restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code," Associate Finance Minister David Seymour said in a statement. 

That is of course one of the regular arguments for negative gearing — the theory being that by incentivising investors there will be more supply and lower rents. 

Research economist Matthew Maltman who studies the New Zealand housing market said the Ardern-era change was a "big policy change in the rental space". 

"There was kind of a recognition — an acknowledgement — that what the government was trying to do was improve housing affordability in terms of home ownership at the expense, potentially, of rental affordability," he said. 

Because interest deductibility was still being phased out, Mr Maltman said it was hard to know how much impact the policy had on rents.

"Rents have increased in New Zealand over the last couple of years, particularly outside of Auckland," he said. 

"There was a shock to renters, and [the Coalition believes] that going all the way to remove interest deductibility was going to make renting even worse.

"Unfortunately, we don't have kind of a nice, clean experiment, to kind of test the validity of all these claims." 

Chief economist at Core Logic Kelvin Davidson said that "the supply of rentals might be a bit lower than it otherwise would have been", but there were other factors at play. 

"It's tempting to say well investors haven't been buying as many properties, so the stock of rentals isn't as high as it otherwise would be because of interest deductibility therefore rents have risen," he said. 

"It's tempting to say that, and it's part of it, but we've also had a net migration boom.

"That's got nothing to do with interest deductibility and that's put a lot of pressure on property demand."  

The difference across the ditch 

There are some key differences in the way landlords are taxed in New Zealand, both under the Ardern-era policies and the most recent changes. 

Landlords have somewhat stricter tax settings year-to-year, but also enjoy no comprehensive capital gains liability. 

The key notable differences are: 

• Interest deductibility distinguishes between existing properties and new builds 
• Ring fencing tax deductibility against rental income only   
• No comprehensive capital gains tax  

Professor of taxation at Victoria University of Wellington Lisa Marriott explained the concept of "ring fencing". 

"In most places, if you have a loss you can offset that against your other income. So if you have a rental property and salary and wages, you can offset the loss from your rental property against your salary and wages," she said. 

That's what negative gearing allows Australian property investors to do,  and that's what makes it so controversial.

"We can't do that here anymore," Dr Marriott said.

"The losses are contained, or ring fenced, within your property portfolio," she said. 

So if an investor makes a loss on a property, they can only claim the interest deduction against their rental income, not against other income they might earn from a salary. 

The new government is not seeking to undo the 2019 change, and while full interest deductibility is coming back, New Zealand investors still won't be able to claim it against their salaries. 

But Kiwi investors do have a significant advantage when it comes to how capital gains are taxed. 

There is something called a "bright-line test" that determines whether or not they need to tip some of the gains towards the government once they sell their investment property. 

It was originally a National government that brought the test in and then Ardern's Labour increased its threshold, but at its heart, it was designed to tax the profit made when a property other than the family home was sold. 

Until recently the threshold has been 10 years. So if the property is held for 10 years or longer, the investor did not have to pay a tax on the capital gain. 

That threshold has now been reduced to two years. 

Payday for investors 

Dr Marriott said removing the ability for investors to claim interest — which is essentially a business expense — against rental income was a departure from how taxes usually worked.

"It's not very coherent and we usually say that coherency is something that is desirable in a tax system," she said.

"Having said that, there are multiple examples where we actually treat certain types of things differently because we want to encourage or to discourage something; look at taxes on tobacco." 

Housing affordability has long been at crisis levels in New Zealand.

The 2018 census found one in four 60 to 64year-olds did not own the home they live in, with that trend to worsen to nearly half by 2053.

The part of the negative gearing story that is difficult to debate is "where the incidence of benefit sits". 

"Where those tax concessions go to the wealthiest in society, I think you can make a really strong argument that it's not fair," Dr Marriott said. 

So how much will the most recent change return to the pockets of New Zealand investors? 

New Zealand's Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Renney puts the figure at nearly $3 billion over four years. 

"At the election, the National party claimed that the return of interest deductibility would cost $2.1 billion. Now we discover it's going to cost nearly $800 million more," he said. 

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