6 Jul 2023

Backpacker visa changes to affect Mayo communities │The Southern Argus

A South Australian senator has slammed visa changes implemented by the Federal Government for backpackers and working holiday-makers, which will significantly impact Mayo communities and the local economy.

More than 137,000 WHM visa holders are currently in Australia, and make up to 80 per cent of the harvest labour force in horticulture, while in other commodities, they account for five to 15 per cent of the junior, casual and seasonal workforce.

As of Saturday, the cost of the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa has increased by $130, making it the highest visa fee of its kind in the world.

The government is also considering cutting the WHM visa to one year, and removing any regional work requirements.

As a large rural electorate, Senator Andrew McLachlan said Mayo communities heavily rely on working holiday-makers to take up employment in essential industries, and support businesses by spending money locally.

“By making the Working Holiday Maker visa so expensive, it will discourage backpackers from coming to Australia, which means fewer workers helping in agriculture and hospitality jobs, and fewer visitors supporting our tourism businesses,” he said.

“If Labor cuts the backpacker visa to just one year, it will devastate our regional economies in South Australia and around the country.

“As I travel around the electorate, I meet backpackers contributing to our communities… their contribution in Mayo cannot be underestimated.

“The Coalition continues to support our successful Working Holiday Maker program, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese needs to stand up today and match our commitment.”