Giving UK backpackers the choice of Bondi or the ‘back of Bourke’ will only worsen Australia’s farm worker shortage

British backpackers have been an important part of the Australian agricultural labour market but the new free trade deal will change that. Photograph: Rob Griffith/AP

If you were a young, single overseas backpacker and you had the choice of working in a bar in Bondi or the “back of Bourke”, which one would you pick?

I am a Scottish-born Australian who came here as a skilled migrant. I was never forced to work in regional Australia. I chose to live in the regions because I have an affinity, having grown up in a Scottish rural town.