Queensland’s tourism industry has ramped up pressure on the Federal Government over its controversial Working Holiday Maker visa changes.
The warning comes as close to 25,000 fans descend on Townsville tonight for the Socceroos’ clash with Brazil.
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) says Working Holiday Makers make up as much as 60 per cent of the workforce at some local restaurants and pubs.
It warned some venues could struggle to operate if the proposed visa ballot goes ahead.
QTIC CEO Natassia Wheeler, who is in Townsville for the match, said the event highlighted how much regional operators rely on Working Holiday Makers.
“If these changes go ahead as they stand, some of the venues fans are heading to tonight simply won’t have the staff to pull a pint,” Wheeler said.
“Landing a match like this is a huge win for Townsville. Kicking an own goal on the workforce that makes it happen would be a real shame.”
What’s changing?
The Federal Government announced changes to the Working Holiday Maker program on 17 September.
Under the proposal, second-year Working Holiday Maker visas will be capped at 45,000. That is down from 57,000.
Third-year visas will be capped at just 5,000, compared with around 31,000 people who qualified this year.
Both second and third-year visas would be allocated through a ballot.
That means travellers who complete the required 88 days or six months of regional work would earn a place in the draw rather than a guaranteed visa.
The Government has not yet announced a start date.
QTIC is calling for the ballot system to be scrapped. It also wants Working Holiday Makers already in Australia to remain under the existing rules.
That would include travellers who have already started their required regional work.
‘Essential’ to Townsville hospitality
Townsville CBar owner Allan Pike said Working Holiday Makers account for more than half of his workforce.
“Working Holiday Makers are essential to running a hospitality business in Townsville,” Pike said.
“More than half my team are here on a working holiday, and I’m hearing the same thing from just about every venue in town.”
Pike said major events such as tonight’s match were particularly important for local businesses.
“Nights like tonight are what we plan our whole year around,” he said.
“Without these workers, we simply wouldn’t be able to make the most of opportunities like this, and it’s the busy nights that carry us through the quiet ones.”
‘A lottery is no way to pick a team’
QTIC acknowledged the Government’s aim to reduce net overseas migration. However, it said businesses and Working Holiday Makers needed greater certainty.
“A lottery is no way to pick a team,” Wheeler said.
“If someone has done the work in a regional community, they deserve to know where they stand, and so does the business that has rostered them for summer.
“The people already here have been working in our pubs, hotels, airports, cafes and tour operations and contributing to our communities and our economy.
“They’ve played by the rules, and you don’t move the goalposts halfway through the game.”
Wheeler said major events could provide a lifeline for regional tourism businesses heading into quieter periods.
“Nights like this are how regional businesses bank the good times to get through the tough ones,” she said.
“The off-season, weather cancellations and cyclone season are all ahead of us. A big event can be what keeps a business open when the bookings dry up.”
QTIC is working with the Australian Tourism Industry Council and state and territory Tourism Industry Councils on a coordinated national response.
