Working Holiday Visa Changes Hit Far North Queensland Businesses

Far North Queensland is experiencing a booming school holiday tourist season, but local businesses are worried about meeting future demand due to recent changes to working holiday visas. Industry leaders say the modifications are driving backpackers away, potentially leading to staff shortages and economic impacts.

Visa Changes Impacting Local Workforce

Crystalbrook Collection chief executive Geoff York said his staff are already hesitant to stay, with some second-year working holiday-makers leaving early. "We've had some second-year working holiday-makers leave already," he said.

Mr York said 45 per cent of the company's 500 employees across its Cairns hotels, restaurants, bars, and day spa are on working holiday visas. However, many of those workers would not risk another six months of regional work to "potentially qualify" for the third-year ballot. "It's a one in six chance that you'll qualify, so that's not good," Mr York said.

Industry Fears and Concerns

Tourism Tropical North Queensland said the industry in northern Australia wants the government to scrap the changes. Chief executive Mark Olsen said working holiday-makers from various countries bring language skills that help keep visitors safe. "Whether that's skydiving, bungee jumping, diving, snorkelling, whitewater rafting, we need to be able to speak to them effectively in their language," he said.

Cairns Chamber of Commerce CEO Patricia O'Neil said the cuts would also be "devastating" for aged care, childcare, labour, and construction.

Agricultural Impacts and Alternative Solutions

FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said the government had "basically terminated the whole process of the working holiday visa" for the farming sector. He said working holiday-makers make up about a third of the 15,000 workers on Far North Queensland farms.

Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme applicants could potentially fill gaps left by working holiday-makers, according to Federal Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy. "We've got thousands of Pacific Islanders who are ready to do these jobs," Mr Conroy said.

Local Response and Future Preparations

Leichhardt MP Matt Smith urged other parties to "come to the table" so a better visa system could be decided upon. Meanwhile, Queensland Sport Minister Tim Mander said the federal government's proposed changes were "crazy", but would not affect construction and preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.