Qld: Baby boomer tourists could solve skills shortage: Qld govt

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2008
Qld: Baby boomer tourists could solve skills shortage: Qld govt

The tourism industry has welcomed calls from the Queensland government to lift holiday
visa restrictions to allow baby boomers from across the globe to work in Australia.

Tourism Minister DESLEY BOYLE says such a move would help solve the state's skills
crisis and she's written to federal Immigration Minister CHRIS EVANS to seek his support.

Twelve-month holiday visas are only available to 18 to 30-year-old workers under current
provisions.

Australian Tourism Export Council managing director MATT HINGERTY has called the government's
suggestion good lateral thinking.

He says the benefits would be two-fold .. bringing more tourists to Australia and addressing
the skills crisis in several industries .. including tourism.

AAP RTV jmm/pjo/crh/jec/

KEYWORD: TOURISM BOOMERS (BRISBANE)

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