Western Australia’s peak tourism body has sounded the alarm over the Albanese government’s stricter enforcement of backpacker visa conditions, claiming regional pubs, hotels and tour operators risk critical staff shortages in the summer peak. Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall told The West Australian on 4 October that new integrity checks on Working Holiday Makers could deter thousands from extending their second- and third-year visas. Under the tougher regime, 417 and 462 visa holders who submit false evidence of specified work – such as doctored payslips from farms – face immediate visa cancellation and a three-year re-entry ban. Employers proven to have facilitated fraud can be fined up to $18,780 per breach. The Australian Border Force has already deployed additional compliance officers to Margaret River and the Kimberley ahead of harvest season. Hospitality venues in Broome and Exmouth rely on backpackers for up to 60 % of front-of-house roles. Hall warns that without a grace period or an alternative labour pipeline, some pubs may reduce trading hours or close kitchens, jeopardising visitor experience and regional tourism revenue. Home Affairs argues the crackdown is necessary to protect worker exploitation and maintain visa integrity. It notes that genuine backpackers can still qualify by completing 88 days of paid regional work. Industry groups, however, are lobbying for a dedicated seasonal-worker subclass or an expanded Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme to fill the gap. Multinational hotel chains operating in Australia should review workforce-planning models, consider internal secondments and accelerate sponsorship where possible. Mobility managers are also advised to audit payroll records to ensure any 417/462 staff meet the new evidence thresholds.
Source: The West Australian
