Working Holiday Visa for Australia - Remove Age Barrier?

It seems that the skilled worker shortage is forcing government officials to re-think some visa policies to encourage more emigration to Australia. Queensland Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, Desley Boyle, called for the Australian government to lift the age restriction on the "Working Holiday Visa."

Currently, this visa is available only to individuals between the ages of 18-30. Boyle would like to see this restriction removed as the minister views individuals older than 30 just as capable of possessing the type of skills necessary to fill the various position vacancies (and rightfully so).

The proposal has been put forth informally at the moment and there's no word on whether the government will move on the matter. Individuals looking to emigrate to Australia via the working holiday visa can find more information at the Australian Visa Bureau.