Protect Working Holiday Maker (Backpacker) visas in Australia

October 2, 2026
Business News

The Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce & Industry supports calls to maintain access to Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa program and its current length of stay.

Working Holiday Makers play an important role in regional economies like ours, helping businesses respond to workforce shortages while contributing to our tourism industry and local communities. We encourage our members and the wider business community to learn more about the issue and show their support by signing the petition below.

SIGN THE PETITION

The issue

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.

Reducing access to Working Holiday Maker visas—or shortening how long visa holders can remain in Australia—will place further pressure on businesses and regional communities already facing significant workforce challenges. It will also reduce the economic and cultural benefits Working Holiday Makers bring to Australia.

We call on the Australian Government to maintain the availability and current length of stay of Working Holiday Maker visas and recognise the program’s important contribution to Australia’s visitor economy, including the essential role Working Holiday Makers play in supporting businesses and filling critical workforce shortages.

Sign this petition to show your support for Working Holiday Makers and the businesses, communities and local economies that benefit from their contribution.

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SIGN THE PETITION

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