Travellers will be allowed to stay in Australia longer and claim cash from their superannuation

Backpacker bailout: Travellers will be allowed to stay in Australia longer and claim cash from their superannuation during coronavirus crisis – after they were accused of spreading the illness

  • Most temporary visa holders with working rights can take up to $10,000 of super
  • Visas for holidaymakers and works will be extended to help struggling farmers
  • This comes after fears backpacker hostels could turn into coronavirus hotbeds

Backpackers and other temporary visa holders will be allowed to stay in Australia for longer and withdraw up to $10,000 of their superannuation under new rules drawn up in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The changes include allowing working holiday makers to continue to work in agriculture and food processing until the coronavirus crisis has passed. 

Backpackers who can not support themselves have been warned to leave the country as there are fears that hostels – with crowded living arrangements, shared kitchens and limited hygiene facilities – could turn into virus hotbeds.

Backpackers who can not support themselves have been warned to leave the country as there are fears that hostels – with crowded living arrangements, shared kitchens and limited hygiene facilities – could turn into virus hotbeds. Pictured: Travellers at the Mad Monkey hostel in Sydney

The Government announced most temporary visa holders with working rights will be able to withdraw up to $10,000 of their superannuation for this financial year. Pictured: Departing travellers at Sydney Airport

The Government announced most temporary visa holders with working rights will be able to withdraw up to $10,000 of their superannuation for this financial year. Pictured: Departing travellers at Sydney Airport

Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens with Australian-held super and permanent residents are already allowed to dip into their super fund. 

The super measures will allow visa holders to financially support themselves as work prospects continue to dwindle due to the coronavirus. 

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said extending working visas would help farmers produce and distribute crops. 

‘We can’t afford to see fruit rotting on trees and vines and vegetables left unpicked. It is vital our farmers maximise their hard work and economic returns,’ Mr McCormack said in a statement on Saturday.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said workforce requirements for agriculture change within and across states as different crops are ready for harvest..

‘It essential for our food security that workers can move to meet these seasonal labour needs,’ Mr Littleproud said in the joint statement.

‘At the same time, it is critical we manage this labour force to support the on-going health of regional communities.’

The prime minister explained working visa holders must first self-isolate before travelling to regional areas, amid fears the migration could spread the virus from cities to ‘more vulnerable’ regions. 

He also said workers will be required to abide by social-distancing rules.

‘This is being done to ensure that those producers can get the work done but also to ensure that the communities are protected,’ he said.

A group of backpackers (pictured) were seen leaving Bondi on Friday, shortly after Scott Morrison announced that travellers with no financial support should go home

A group of backpackers (pictured) were seen leaving Bondi on Friday, shortly after Scott Morrison announced that travellers with no financial support should go home

The changes include allowing working holiday makers to continue to work in agriculture and food processing until the coronavirus pandemic has passed (stock image)

The changes include allowing working holiday makers to continue to work in agriculture and food processing until the coronavirus pandemic has passed (stock image)

CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 5,362

New South Wales: 2,389

Victoria: 1,085

Queensland: 873

Western Australia: 422 

South Australia: 396 

Australian Capital Territory: 91 

Tasmania: 80

Northern Territory: 26

TOTAL CASES:  5,362

DEAD: 28

Backpackers have been singled out in the police blitz after a virus cluster emerged in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, a hotspot for young travellers staying in cramped hostels.

They have been slammed for their constant disregard for the rules to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

Figures released last week identified Waverley Council, which covers Bondi, as having the most confirmed coronavirus cases in New South Wales.

Byron Bay has ramped up testing after residents and holidaymakers were seen heading to the beach, watching sunsets and going about life as normal last week, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Byron Bay Shire mayor Simon Richardson has also pushed for the NSW Government to stop allowing backpackers and tourists to travel to coastal town as they work to slow the spread of the killer coronavirus.

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