Cap on backpackers causes devastation to Western Australia’s tourism industry

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

The Federal Government’s recently unveiled Migration Strategy is set to scrutinize the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa program, especially in the wake of recommendations to limit backpacker visas to a single year. This move has prompted the Tourism Council of Western Australia to urge the government to allow backpackers extended stays, facilitating travel to Perth and other regions in WA.

The Strategy’s focus includes an assessment of the existing regulations for extending WHM visas, specifically the 88-day and 179-day work requirements, which currently permit second and third-year visa extensions. This examination follows suggestions from the Migration Review to restrict WHM visas to one year.

Evan Hall, the CEO of Tourism Council WA, highlighted the importance of backpackers in bolstering the number of international tourists in Perth and regional WA. He pointed out that many backpackers begin their Australian journey on the east coast and are unlikely to reach WA within a year. Hall emphasized that backpackers, who often work during their travels to afford longer stays, would find their ability to visit WA severely limited by a one-year visa cap. This restriction could significantly impact seasonal tourist destinations like Exmouth, Broome, and Margaret River.

A recent online survey by the Tourism Council WA, involving 800 locals, found that 79% believe backpackers are vital for the WA tourism and workforce sectors. Hall stressed the dire need for international visitors, with tourism still 40% below pre-COVID levels, and the critical role backpackers play in this context.

He further argued that backpackers should not be restricted to horticulture jobs to extend their stay. Offering longer visas with opportunities in regional tourism could enhance the backpacker experience in Australia. Hall criticized policies that limit backpackers to specific areas like Exmouth during the whale shark season, as these do not address population issues in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

There is also a concern about the potential shortage of backpackers to meet the demand in regional WA during peak seasons. Hall underscored that WA, more than other states, depends on backpackers in its tourism workforce due to the geographical spread and seasonality of its tourist destinations. Backpackers are crucial for filling job vacancies, serving holidaymakers, and providing much-needed relief to operators in peak seasons.

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