#88daysaslave: backpackers share stories of farm work exploitation

Australian government hails its working holiday visa program a success despite problems raised about the industry

Backpackers are sharing stories of slave-like conditions while picking produce on Australian farms under a working holiday program the government is hailing a success after a 20% spike in uptake last year.

Under the hashtag #88daysaslave on Instagram, backpackers are sharing images and stories of exploitation, including being paid as little as $4 an hour and working in unsafe and gruelling conditions.