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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has acknowledged Australians have experienced 'a frustrating summer' as the Omicron variant has swept the nation as he announced a new program to bring foreign students and backpackers back to Australia.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Mr Morrison said Omicron has caused 'great disruption' all around the world.
Mr Morrison said Australians must respect Omicron 'but not fear it'.
'You have seen queues, you have seen rising cases, you have seen pressures on hospital systems, you have seen disruption of supply chains, you have seen shortages of tests, you have seen all of these in all of these countries all around the world.'
'That is what Omicron has brought.'
The prime minister announced a scheme to rebate the $630 fee for a visa application by about 150,000 foreign students and for around 23,500 backpackers, as the government seeks to boost workforce numbers.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australians should respect Omicron but not fear it in a press conference held on Wednesday
'We must respect it with sensible,
