Working holiday makers are no longer feeling welcome in Australia.
That’s the stark conclusion being drawn from a survey conducted by the Tourism & Transport Forum and YHA Australia.
The two organisations believe proposed changes to Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa program could also reduce regional travel and employment.
The survey of 60 working holiday makers currently in Australia found 75% said the proposed changes would make them less likely to work in regional Australia, including 65% who said they would be much less likely. Around 70% also said they would be less likely to travel through regional areas.
More than half of respondents (57%) said the changes would have affected their decision to come to Australia had they been in place before their arrival.
“There’s been plenty of debate about working holiday makers, but very little has been heard from working holiday makers themselves,” said Margy Osmond, TTF CEO.
“So, we went straight to the source and asked them what they think. What they told us should give the Government real pause.
“Australia has worked hard to build a reputation as one of the world’s great working holiday destinations and this proposal puts that at risk.”
Ms Osmond said the findings should be considered alongside the reliance of regional tourism and hospitality businesses on working holiday makers.
“When three in four respondents say they’re less likely to work in regional Australia, that’s a warning sign for every farm, regional tourism operator and hospitality business already struggling to find staff.
“These are young people who pick our fruit, pull beers in country pubs and make beds in regional hotels. Then they spend what they’ve earned travelling around Australia. They’re not a burden. They’re a vital part of the tourism and regional workforce, and their voice matters.”
Paul McGrath, YHA Australia CEO, said uncertainty around extending working holiday visas could also influence Australia’s reputation among backpackers, particularly given competition from destinations including New Zealand and Canada.
“Our regional hostels are home to many working holiday makers who are doing exactly what’s been asked of them. They head out to the regions, take on hard work and spend their wages in local towns,” he added.
“Turning the reward for that effort into a lottery tells them their contribution doesn’t count, and these results show they’ve heard that message loud and clear.
“Word of mouth is everything in the backpacker market. These travellers talk to each other, they post online and they go home and tell their friends. Right now, the story they’re hearing is that Australia isn’t worth the gamble.”
Only 28% of those surveyed said they would recommend an Australian Working Holiday Maker visa to friends and family, with several respondents indicating they may have chosen another destination under the proposed arrangements.
“If we don’t listen to them now, these travellers will take their work ethic, their tax dollars and their spending elsewhere,” added Ms Osmond.
