Australian Office

Working Holiday Makers

Australia is the number one destination for Taiwanese youth heading overseas on a Working Holiday Maker Program.

The program encourages cultural exchange and closer ties by allowing young adults from partner countries to work, study and holiday in Australia. You can apply directly here.

The Working Holiday Maker Program allows short courses of study of up to four months, as well as paid work.  This includes full-time, part-time, casual, shift and voluntary work, subject to visa conditions.  Working holiday makers may work for one employer for a maximum of six months. However, there is no limit on the number of employers or jobs that can be undertaken. Some useful job-search engines are available here.

More information on the Working Holiday Maker Program is in English here. More information on Australian visas is in Chinese here.

 Workplace rights and conditions

The rights and entitlements of all workers in Australia are protected by law. All workers in Australia are entitled to the same workplace rights, conditions and rates of pay regardless of visa status or nationality. Conditions and rates of pay differ according to industry. Employees should check the terms and conditions of their work before signing any contracts with employers or labour hire companies. A list of tips for protecting your rights when engaging in agricultural and farm work can be found here.

The Fair Work Ombudsman website provides several web-based tools that can help you understand your pay, entitlements and conditions at work, including a minimum wage calculator. Anyone who encounters unfair, exploitative or illegal practices is encouraged to lodge a complaint with Fair Work Australia. There are no repercussions for reporting unlawful workplace practices. Anonymous reporting is available in English and other languages. Investigations are free of charge.

 

A free complaint hotline is available at (+61) 13 13 94. A free interpretation service is available at (+61) 13 14 50.


Travel insurance is STRONGLY recommended for working holiday makers in Australia.  Medical costs in Australia can be extremely high compared to Taiwan.  A comprehensive policy covering theft, loss, accidents and medical treatment for the duration of time in Australia is essential. If planning to do adventure activities such as scuba diving, bushwalking or travelling in remote areas, make sure your policy covers you for these activities.

 

Other contacts

Global Service Centre

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/contact-us/telephone/outside-australia

 

Fair Work Ombudsman:

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ (Chinese version here)

Free complaint hotline: (+61) 13 13 94. Free interpretation service: (+61) 13 14 50.