Prime Minister Andy Burnham is close to agreeing to changes in one of Britain's post-Brexit trade deals with Australia, a move that could require young Britons to work on farms for a year to enjoy a gap year Down Under.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has raised concerns about the growing numbers of British working holidaymakers entering Australia and their impact on the country's labour market. He is seeking changes to rules that exempt UK nationals from Australian regional work requirements imposed on citizens of other countries.
Talks at Chogm
The two leaders met for bilateral talks at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) on Tuesday. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Burnham was asked whether he would do a deal after concerns were raised by his Australian counterpart. Burnham confirmed the pair would be having a conversation about the issue, adding "we'll see".
Last week, Albanese indicated he would use the meeting to push for changes to the historic UK-Australia free trade deal struck under former prime minister Boris Johnson. The deal was the first major trade agreement signed by the UK after Brexit and was hailed at the time as "a new dawn" for Britain.
Political Reaction
Former prime minister Liz Truss criticised the potential move, saying: "This was a major achievement of our trade deal with Australia and hard-fought! Young Brits no longer have to do farm work as part of their stay in Australia - bringing big opportunities for them. Typical that Andy Burnham wants to give this away. Is there nothing this man won't betray or surrender?"
Albanese, whose disapproval rating has hit an almost record high of 56%, is seeking to win back Australian voters from the right-wing One Nation party, which has proposed tough immigration reforms.
Labour Market Concerns
Albanese told the Australian parliament: "Unlike backpackers from other areas of the world, who have to spend time in regional Australia, those UK backpackers are arriving in very large numbers, much greater than they were previously to that arrangement being in place."
"They are staying at Bondi Beach or Coogee or around particularly the capital cities and working in hospitality there. That's placing enormous pressure because it's distorting the labour market in these areas as well."
