Young travellers come to Australia on Working Holiday visas believing they will be safe. Many work in remote environments far from support systems.

Every year, thousands of young people work in remote and often unregulated environments.

My daughter Jennifer Kohl was one of them. Her journey ended in tragedy.

While working on a farm, Jennifer Kohl was involved in a fatal incident involving agricultural machinery.
Her death occurred in a rural working environment far from immediate oversight and support. I am her mother, Cornelia Kohl.

Her story raises an important question: Are current protections for international Working Holiday workers sufficient?

This petition calls for meaningful improvements to prevent future harm.
We ask the Queensland Government and relevant Australian authorities:

• introduce mandatory safety briefings before rural job placements
• require verified safety and accommodation standards for employers
• conduct regular independent inspections of remote workplaces
• provide confidential reporting channels for foreign workers
• ensure transparent procedures following serious incidents
• clear accountability of employers and authorities in case of safety failures

Working Holiday backpackers contribute to Australia’s workforce and economy.
They deserve safe conditions and reliable protections.

Jennifer Kohl’s story must lead to stronger safeguards so that others do not face the same risks.

Her story also reflects a broader reality: Several backpackers have lost their lives in Australia while working or travelling. These tragedies must not be overlooked.

Jennifer Kohl’s story — and the stories of other backpackers who lost their lives — should not be forgotten.

We call for concrete and enforceable measures to improve safety for international backpackers.