That’s just one potential impact of a pause on processing working holiday visa applications, which has businesses that rely heavily on working holidaymakers — such as Echuca Backpackers — increasingly nervous.
Simon Maddox, the hostel’s owner, said while he wasn’t feeling the effects of the pause yet, the lack of clarity worried him.
“We’ve still got people coming through the door and wanting to do work regionally,” he said.
“I’m sure the government has the data and a reason for making this decision, but they need to explain why they’re doing it.
“Tell us they’ve identified WHMs (working holidaymakers) are putting a strain on resources, or tell us this pause won’t put a strain on the agriculture industry.
“To just say nothing when you make a big strategic move like this, everyone starts to worry.”
Working holiday visas are divided into two subclasses: The 417 subclass, which has no limit on the number people from each country who can receive visas, and the 462 subclass, where each partner country has a hard cap.
Last month, 24 of the 29 partner countries had the processing of WHVs quietly paused, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announcing visas would be “processed more slowly than they were previously”.
Mr Maddox said the vague nature of the announcement had left those relying on working holidaymakers, particularly in inland towns, preparing for the worst.
“We’ve got backpackers leaving our hostel, and their visa is up, they’re going home,” he said.
“If you’ve got people leaving the country, and you’ve potentially only got a trickle coming in because of these changes, then the labour pool is going to dry up eventually.
“If we’re not replenishing the visa numbers, it’ll be harder for companies to find those backpackers and attract them to small towns.
“That’s the potential risk of making it more difficult to get a WHV.”
A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson told The Riv the government had introduced measures, including changes to the working holidaymakers program, to ensure Australia’s migration system operated in the national interest while strengthening its integrity.
“These actions will be rolled out progressively to ensure the long-term sustainability of the WHM program while continuing to support the tourism economy and workforce needs particularly in regional Australia,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the number of working holidaymakers was at a record high and the department was prioritising onshore working holiday visa applications.
“This means offshore working holiday visa applications may take several months to be finalised in some cases,” the spokesperson said.
“The department recommends visa applicants do not book flights or make travel, work or study commitments until their visa has been granted.
“The government will continue to work closely with stakeholders to uphold our international commitments and ensure critical workforce needs, including in agriculture, are met.”
Mr Burke is expected to announce Labor’s migration policy at a Press Club address tomorrow.
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