The Australian Government is planning to double the amount of time that backpackers can stay and work in Australia. Working visas will be extended to two years. While tour operators have welcomed the move, they are still angry that backpackers are prohibited from working in any one job for more than three months. Backpacker numbers have fallen in recent times because it has become harder to get cheap flights. Being able to work in Australia for longer should help rebuild backpacker numbers

Backpackers will soon be able to work for up to twice as long while in Australia under changes to the Working Holiday Maker scheme.

A new provision to the scheme will allow any person who has undertaken seasonal harvest in regional Australia for a minimum of three months to make an application for a second Working Holiday Maker visa.

"It means backpackers will soon be able to extend their working holiday in Australia by another year, enabling them to stay longer and spend more," Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said.

"Allowing backpackers to stay for up two years will also encourage prospective travellers to visit Australia. It will be a welcome boost to the tourism industry, especially in regional Australia."

The new provision will apply to visitors from all countries of origin that have Working Holiday Maker arrangements with Australia.

Industry bodies including the Australian Tourism Export Council have welcomed the move.

"This brings us further into line with other countries and will help make us a more competitive destination for this long-staying, high-spending market," ATEC Managing Director Matthew Hingerty said.

"Backpackers contribute a significant amount to the community, especially in regional areas - not just economically - but also culturally and socially."

Mr Hingerty said ATEC would seek further improvements to the scheme - particularly with regard to the restriction that prevents visa holders from working for more than three months in any one job.

The organisation would also continue to lobby the government to make the visa available to US citizens - one of Australia's largest untapped youth markets, he said.