Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

To the young people of Petrie and elsewhere: have I got an opportunity for you! One of the best things I have done, back in 2011, right before I put my hand up to represent the people of Petrie, was to pack up my family and to set off and travel Australia. That might be why I am so taken with a federal government initiative that encourages people to head off on the Harvest Trail. If you are young or if you have no commitments, if you are on Newstart or even if you are an eager grey nomad, come down to my office and let's have a chat.

Connecting urban-based jobseekers with rural and regional Australia helps farmers to bring in the crops. Great for those on a gap year or at a loose end, the National Harvest Labour Information Service has released an updated 128-page guide. The guide covers where, what and when crops are harvested, as well as working conditions, transport options, accommodation and places to see on the way. From Brisbane, you could start tomorrow with veggies in Gatton or Laidley—just two hours away. In April, head north to Chinchilla for melons or south to Stanthorpe for apples and pears. In May, head north again to Emerald and Gayndah for citrus or over the border to Byron and Ballina for nuts. Travel this incredible country, picking to pay your way. I say to everyone in my electorate: it is a great opportunity. Come and see me and I would be delighted to talk to you about it. (Time expired)

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