Federal working-visa changes already impacting Far North Queensland

Temporary workers

Shaun Hollis

Senior Journalist

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Backpackers are integral to filling temporary-worker positions during peak tourism times in Douglas Shire. Picture: Francesca Bossoni

A large reduction in the number of second and third year working visas in Australia is already having a significant impact on the pool of temporary workers available in Douglas Shire during peak tourism season.

Federal Immigration Minister Tony Burke announced last week the number of second-year visas will be reduced from 57,000 to 45,000 places annually, and backpackers must still complete a required 88 days of specified regional work despite not being guaranteed a second year - they will then enter a ballot for the positions.

And third-year visas will also be cut significantly from 31,000 to just 5000 places.

Port Douglas working-visa holders and resort managers spoken to by Newsport this week said many temporary workers had already quit their jobs and headed off to travel around the country, knowing they now only had limited time left in Australia.

A raft of policy changes were announced last week, which were designed to cut net migration from 245,000 this financial year to 225,000 in 2027/28, according to the Federal Government.

“The Australian Government is committed to attracting the skills Australia needs, supporting economic growth and productivity, and ensuring migration settings work for Australian workers and communities,” a Home Affairs Department statement said.

A “no further stay” condition is being introduced to all visitor visas to “ensure they are only used by genuine visitors and not as a pathway to extending a stay in Australia”.

The Government will also “stabilise processing times for Working Holiday Maker applications to three months”.

The changes will be progressively rolled out across the next year.

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