Signatures mount on petition opposing working visa changes
Shire tourism
A petition started by a national peak tourism-industry body a fortnight ago protesting possible working-holiday-visa cuts has already attracted more than 4000 signatures.
The Australian Tourism Industry Council - which represents more than 9000 tourism-business operators across the country - warns against Federal Government changes to Working Holiday Maker visas, saying they would place further pressure on regional tourism, hospitality and agriculture businesses already struggling to secure seasonal workers.
As the most tourism-reliant council in the country, the Douglas Shire economy would be heavily affected by any changes to the working-visa system.
“Reducing availability or shortening stays would strip regional tourism, hospitality and agriculture businesses of a critical seasonal workforce already in short supply,” ATIC states.
“Working Holiday Makers make an important contribution to Australia’s tourism industry, communities and local economies.
“They travel widely, stay for extended periods and spend money in communities across the country.
“They also help tourism, hospitality, agriculture and other industries respond to seasonal workforce shortages, particularly in locations where employers struggle to find enough local workers.”
Temporary workers from countries including Argentina, Spain, Brazil, Switzerland, Austria, Chile, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Peru, Poland, Portugal and Uruguay last month had visa applications paused until further notice as the Government works on ways to slow immigration numbers.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said at the time that some WHM visas were being “processed more slowly than they were previously”.
Regional communities such as Port Douglas benefit from temporary workers spending on accommodation, food, transport and entertainment, while hospitality businesses rely on flexible, short-term workers during peak seasons such as July-October.
Many working travellers spoken to by Newsport said being able to work their “88 days” in Port Douglas is a popular reason to come here - working holiday makers must work for three months within a year in specified regions that are usually rural and remote to become eligible to apply for a second stage of the program.
Sign the petition HERE.
