MARANOA MP David Littleproud has slammed the Albanese Government’s decision to slash working holiday maker (WHM) visa numbers, warning the changes will cut the number of backpackers in regional areas by 43 per cent and devastate the tourism sector.
Under Labor’s changes, a ballot system will be introduced for backpackers who want to stay in Australia beyond one year, with eligible applicants for a second year WHM visa to be reduced from 57,000 to 45,000, while those wishing to apply for a third year will be cut from 31,000 to just 5,000.
“Introducing a ballot system is a measure that makes no sense. By pursuing this, the Government is basing our migration system on a raffle, rather than merit,” claimed Mr Littleproud, who’s currently on another Outback trip in remote parts of Maranoa, taking in places like Cameron Corner and the Dig Tree.
The former Nationals Leader and now Shadow Minister for Tourism and Emergency Management warned that the peak industry body, the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC), had published modelling which highlighted the impact of Labor’s new measures, announced without any industry consultation.
“Backpackers are an essential part of Australia’s regional economies. They work in hospitality and tourism, harvest our food and fibre, strengthen our volunteer base, and help businesses get through seasonal peaks when local workers aren’t available. For Labor to target this cohort is appalling and a disgrace,” he said.
“Regional tourism is already doing it tough, and the modelling commissioned by ATIC is extremely concerning. It estimates that the WHM changes announced by the Albanese Government will strip $560 million in annual visitor spending from the Australian economy, and cost 3,800 tourism jobs.”
Mr Littleproud said it was clear that Australia’s tourism sector was nothing but an afterthought under Labor.
“This crucial industry has already endured funding cuts, high operating costs, visa processing pauses and delays, endless red tape, and ongoing neglect,” he said before crossing the Queensland/South Australia border and arriving in the iconic SA town of Innamincka, 1140 kilometres north of Adelaide.
“Cutting Australia’s backpacker intake will only make a bad situation worse for Australia’s hardworking tourism operators, who don’t deserve this shameful treatment by their own government.”
POSTED: Wednesday, September 23, 2026