Thank goodness for young overseas travellers.

Desert Dweller · Guru

Thank goodness for young overseas travellers.

Tony Bev · Guru

I normally talk to anyone around me, when I am camping

A large number of backpackers, where English is their second language, seem to be very intelligent people.

A lot of them tell me that they are on a gap year, before going on to University

Others tell me that they wish to see the world, before they settle down

I certainly have no problems with the backpackers

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

And the vast majority of the money the earn doing these jobs is spent here before they leave. In fact most spend much more than they earn.

Cheers,
Peter

villatranquilla · Guru

ridiculous that the Govt is going to tax them in a higher tax bracket. They only work to fund the next part of their holiday and spend most of what they earn. They are usually the only ones willing to work in isolated places and do more menial farm jobs. Have worked with many and mostly are great kids.

elliemike · Guru

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
And the vast majority of the money the earn doing these jobs is spent here before they leave. In fact most spend much more than they earn.

Cheers,
Peter

Totally agree Peter n Margaret.

Been meeting Chinese backpackers a lot more these days working in remote areas in the Servo's and IGA's Like e.g Wiluna, Docker River also in the Supermarkets of Alice doing the checkout and trolley boy jobs. The ones I have spoken to absolutely loving the experience being in and meeting Australia and it's people.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Yes . I made a comment some time back that children that are traveling are also VERY polite . Being home or overseas ! I take that as being or having "good parenting" . The people with attitude !! Sure as hell show up to the nice people out there ..

CC Bear · Senior Member

So why do we have so many fir people living at the tax payers expence.

adreamer · Senior Member

CC Bear wrote:
So why do we have so many fir people living at the tax payers expence.

Because this Country has been a soft touch for a long, long time and then the NEW GOVERNMENT is left to pick up the mess.

Then when people (bludgers) don't like the result they vote for the soft option.

NeilandRaine · Guru

Lots here must remember in our younger days how it was a big adventure to hit the road and work our way around Australia
Its not done anymore and I guess there can be so many reasons:
Kids today have no incentive. The dole is enough. Drugs make it unsafe.
Maybe the unions have priced our kids out of the jobs, maybe owners of outback business pay back packers less, (I have met some who are working for not much more than board and lodgings)
I think it fair backpackers should pay normal tax but a lot just get cash in hand.
Whatever the reason it would be good to see our kids out there doing the jobs but I guess like the topic said in the mean time Thank God for overseas travelers.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Too many helicopter parents . City children especially have no or little responsibility!!

The Belmont Bear · Guru

Good post Desert Dweller - I totally agree with villatranquilla why would the government want to penny pinch by taxing young backpackers at a higher rate when they know that they are going to spend whatever they earn during their travels ? Some of our smaller, remote towns and businesses are probably very grateful for the money that these young people bring into their communities. I also believe that a young person who has a good experience when travelling Australia on a tight budget is potentially a future tourist who may bring their family ($) back with them the next time that they come. No comment on our own kids (or adults for that matter) who don't have a go, if we choose to be a welfare state then we shouldn't be too surprised with what we end up with.

leajoy · Veteran Member

Couldn't agree more. We were fortunate enough this year to live very remotely in NT in a place that serviced the local Aboriginal communities. Whilst we were there helping out there was a french guy, a german lady and an italian guy all helping out enjoying a valuable experience. They were fabulous young people who were willing to work and at times very hard work until they were ready to continue on with their travels. Shame a few of our young ones didn't have the same attitude and work ethics.