Regional businesses and international travellers in southern Western Australia are warning that upcoming federal visa restrictions will severely disrupt local industries. The federal government is moving forward with plans to limit working holiday visas, including introducing ballot systems for second- and third-year visa extensions.
In Manjimup, a key agricultural and tourism hub located 290 kilometres south of Perth, local enterprises rely heavily on backpacker labour to stay operational. Pub owner Paul Fowler noted that backpackers make up over 70 per cent of his workforce. With plans to expand his operations to a neighbouring venue in Pemberton now under threat, Mr Fowler explained that losing access to a steady stream of 50 to 80 backpacking workers a year would leave his businesses without a functional workforce.
The changes have also drawn concern from local agricultural producers. Pemberton truffle farmer Gavin Booth shared that experienced seasonal workers have already chosen to leave Australia rather than navigate the new lottery and restriction processes.
While Western Australian Premier Roger Cook previously urged Federal Immigration Minister Tony Burke to reconsider the caps, the Department of Home Affairs defended the policy. A departmental spokesperson stated that the reductions are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the visa program while maintaining engagement with affected industries.
Many backpackers argue that second- and third-year extensions provide a vital incentive to complete difficult regional labour requirements, such as farm work. For travellers like Italian couple Roberto Spadotto and Giulia Colombo—who transitioned from picking broccoli to managing local hospitality venues—the extensions have offered a pathway to settle and build a life in the region. However, locals warn that the tighter limits risk driving vital international workers away from rural Australia entirely.
