Backpacker-reliant industries to meet Canberra officials over visa changes
Industries that rely on backpackers are set to meet officials in Canberra on Tuesday about visa changes, The West Australian understands.
Industries that rely on backpackers are set to meet government officials in Canberra on Tuesday, The West Australian understands. The talks will look at how visa changes could hit farms, aged care, tourism and hospitality.
The focus is especially on regional areas outside the big cities. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the overhaul in September, including a US-style green card lottery for backpackers.
The program will add a ballot system in the second and third year. The wider goal is to drive down net overseas arrivals, meaning arrivals minus departures, by 75,000 a year.
Industry groups called the meeting a good start and said they were hopeful for good outcomes. Several sectors have warned that a processing freeze and lottery could undermine workforce planning.
Farmers have warned they could be short of staff during the harvest season.
- Cut of 75,000 a year
- Net arrivals target
- 100,000 people a year
- Coalition net migration cut
- September, at the National Press Club
- Overhaul announced
- Tony Burke, Home Affairs Minister
- Minister
Why it mattersThese industries rely heavily on backpackers, so visa changes could leave them short of staff.
AustraliaFarms, aged care and tourism in regional areas could have fewer backpacker workers if the changes go ahead.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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