WA Premier calls on federal minister to reconsider backpacker visa caps

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 26 Oct, 02:31 · Archive

Western Australia's Premier Roger Cook has written to the federal Immigration Minister urging him to reconsider changes to working holiday visas that would cap backpacker numbers.

WA Premier Roger Cook has written to Immigration Minister Tony Burke calling for a rethink of working holiday visa changes announced in September. The letter was co-signed by the Australian Hotels Association WA and Tourism Council WA. Under the federal reforms, a ballot system would replace the existing extension process for backpackers seeking to spend more than one year in Australia, with 45,000 second-year places and 5,000 third-year spots available.

Cook said the changes would significantly impact Western Australia's regional and remote workforces. He estimated that the reduction in backpacker visas would result in a loss of 4,500 tourism and hospitality workers. The letter states that while the sector prioritises training and employing Western Australians, it relies on experienced backpackers familiar with regional conditions and seasonal operations.

Cook said working holiday makers also contribute as tourists spending money in regional areas, supporting regional economic development. He urged Burke to reconsider the changes and offered to discuss practical alternatives to reduce the impact on the state.

How it is being reported

• Backpacker visa caps bad for business, says premierRoger Cook has called on Immigration Minister Tony Burke to reconsider changes to working holiday visas which would place a cap on backpacker numbers.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 02:10
• Backpacker visa caps bad for business, says premierRoger Cook has called on Immigration Minister Tony Burke to reconsider changes to working holiday visas which would place a cap on backpacker numbers.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 02:10
• Roger Cook teams up with WA tourism sector heads to demand Tony Burke rethink backpacker visa shake upPremier Roger Cook and some of WA’s tourism leaders have written to Federal Immigration Minister Tony Burke demanding he rethink controversial changes to backpacker visa rules.The West Australian · 25 Oct, 16:42

In this story: Roger Cook · Tony Burke · Western Australia · Australian Hotels Association WA · Tourism Council WA

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