Australian Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is facing criticism after encouraging young people to consider working on farms because it would look good on Instagram.
It comes amid calls for help to fill the harbour labour shortage of around 26,000 workers due to COVID-19.
"If you know someone who might be on the coast who might be lounging around with a surfboard, tell them to come to the regions," McCormack said on Wednesday.
"Bring your mobile, have that Instagram moment up a ladder, picking fruit, blue sky in the background.
"You'll find more friends, you might find the love of your life out in regional Australia," he added.
Asked if young people should really go out to pick fruit just to "do it for the gram", McCormack replied.
"Yes, they should."
This comment, however, did not go down well on social media.
"Deputy PM Michael McCormack urging young Aussies to go to the regions to pick fruit and post some photos on Instagram #doitforthegram," one user Tweeted.
"What an utterly stupid thing to say," another wrote.
"Ugh, the MPs are so incredibly out of touch… it's infuriating."
"Here's a great Instagram story: pay people for work."
The Government on Wednesday confirmed changes to visa schemes in an attempt to fill the shortage, including the extension of some visas and scrapping age limits that rule out people over the age of 30.
