Labor faces seat risk as visa cuts drive backpackers from far north
Working holiday visa changes cut available spots from 31,000 to just over 5,000, prompting backpackers to leave far north Queensland.
The Albanese government changed the working holiday visa scheme, cutting available spots from 31,000 to just over 5,000. Backpackers in Far North Queensland say they would not have stayed without a guaranteed spot.
Far North Queensland relies on casual seasonal workers. Rocco Raseri is an Italian chef who worked six months in Cairns.
He said the uncertainty was a problem. He would have looked for other options like city-based sponsorship instead.
Political experts warn the policy could cost Labor the next federal election. Queensland has seats won by narrow margins, especially Leichhardt held by Matt Smith with a 9.5 per cent swing.
One Nation now puts pressure on these seats. One Nation polls at 36 per cent in the state versus Labor's 25 per cent.
Analysts say Labor must offer a public plan. Without it, Labor risks losing ground in regional seats it recently gained.
- 31,000 to 5,000
- Visa spots cut
- 9.5 per cent swing
- Leichhardt margin
- 36 per cent vs Labor 25 per cent
- One Nation polling
- Rocco Raseri, Italian chef
- Regional worker example
Why it mattersLabor's majority relies on regional Queensland seats that could now swing to the Opposition if workers and voters feel abandoned on this key issue.
AustraliaTourism and agriculture sectors in far north Queensland face serious worker shortages, and regional Labor MPs are caught between supporting a federal policy and protecting their seats.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
