Australia's tourism industry may receive an unexpected boost if a plan for the first 'guest worker' scheme is given the green light.

Under the proposed scheme by Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson, foreign workers would be allowed to enter Australia for a specific job or employment in a designated industry. They would receive Australian pay and conditions, but would have to leave the country after a stipulated period.

Ferguson revealed to news.com.au that his desire was to expand an existing scheme involving Pacific workers in the horticulture industry to include the hospitality industry in regions.

The scheme aims to plug the manpower gap in Australia's service industries as more Australians head towards better paying industries such as mining. Employers in the tourism industry, particularly those in regional areas, are finding it difficult to fill positions.

However, Ferguson was quick to assure local workers that they do not need to fear job cuts due to foreign competition. "Additional incentives are provided for engaging long term unemployed, workers with a disability, mature aged workers and indigenous Australians," he said.

Ferguson has pledged to bring up the issue of the scheme to the cabinet before the year end.