Lottery plan for backpackers who want to stay longer

On 17 September, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke suggested a lottery for backpackers who want to stay working and travelling for an extra year or two. 45,000 spots for year two, 5,000 for year three. UK passport holders skip the lottery — no limit, no farm-work rule. With 206,000 here in June 2025, spots are tight. Tough news for farmers.