Tourism operators in the Parkes electorate could face a summer without the workers they need unless the Federal Government fixes its backpacker visa changes.
“The upcoming summer season is the busiest for the tourism industry, but thousands of tourism businesses simply cannot get the workers they need,” said Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey.
“Labor needs to help our farmers, but it must also help our operators who run not only our tourism attractions, but motels, restaurants, cafes and a whole raft of other businesses.”
Mr Chaffey said the Government had forced the National Farmers’ Federation to submit applications for backpacker visas during critical planting and harvesting seasons, and it now needed to give clarity to hospitality and tourism businesses as well.
Immigration Minister Tony Burke has announced changes to the backpacker intake.
“Year two will cut the backpacker intake from 57,000 to 45,000 and year three will cut from 31,000 to 5,000,” Mr Chaffey said.
“This is a cut in numbers over years two and three of more than 40 per cent.”
He said there had been no explanation of how tourism businesses were meant to cope.
“Labor has created this mess itself – now it must fix it.”
“So far, there is no clarity or explanation as to how our tourism businesses are supposed to cope over the summer period.”
“Australia’s tourism industry has already endured a challenging year, which has been marred by federal funding cuts, public fuel anxiety, visa processing pauses and delays, high operating costs, and endless red tape.”
The national tourism body backs the call.
“We welcome the relief provided to farmers, but regional tourism businesses are facing the same seasonal workforce pressures and need the same certainty,” said Australian Tourism Industry Council CEO Erin McLeod.
“We estimate the introduction of a ballot for second and third visas will result in a 70 per cent reduction, around 65,300 fewer backpackers travelling, working and spending in our regions.”
“That equates to $1.65 billion in lost visitor spending and 11,000 regional Australian jobs at risk.”
Ms McLeod said the damage went beyond the number of visas issued.
“This is not just the impact of fewer visas, it is the much bigger impact of backpackers choosing not to travel regionally because the ballot takes away the certainty that previously encouraged them to do so.”
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.