Politics · Australia · 2 hrs ago
Manjimup businesses fear changes to working holiday visas will deepen labour shortages
Manjimup businesses rely heavily on backpacker workers in the tourism and agricultural region south of Perth.
Pub owner Paul Fowler says backpackers make up more than 70 per cent of his staff, and he planned to use them at a second pub.
The federal government has reduced the number of second- and third-year working holiday visa extensions, after slowing applications in August.
The government says the reduction will help keep the visa program sustainable, and says it will work with affected industries on labour needs.
Fowler and workers want the changes scrapped, warning that businesses already struggle to find enough staff.
Some backpackers say the rules make farm work less worthwhile, because completing it may not lead to a visa extension.
Italian workers Roberto Spadotto and Giulia Colombo hope to settle in the region, while others are considering leaving or not coming to Australia.
Regional businesses face uncertainty over future staffing, as the government says it will work with affected industries.
Manjimup businesses say changes to Australia’s working holiday visa program will worsen labour shortages in the regional town.
Paul Fowler says backpackers make up more than 70 per cent of the workforce at his pub.
The federal government says reducing visa extensions will help ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.
The changes have prompted calls from businesses and regional leaders to reconsider the restrictions.
Some workers say the extensions encourage backpackers to take on difficult farm work and stay in the region.
- Who
- Manjimup business owners and working holiday visa holders say the changes could hurt their businesses and workforces.
- What
- Businesses fear changes to working holiday visa extensions will deepen labour shortages.
- When
- The government initially slowed visa applications in August. The article was published on October 31, 2026.
- Where
- Manjimup and neighbouring Pemberton, in southern Western Australia.
- Why
- The government says the reduction is intended to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. Businesses say they rely on backpacker labour.
Manjimup businesses and regional representatives
Australian federal government
Impact of fewer visa extensions
Manjimup businesses and regional representatives
The changes will make it harder for businesses to function and find workers.
Australian federal government
The reduction will ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.
Labour needs
Manjimup businesses and regional representatives
Businesses say they rely on backpackers to staff pubs and other regional work.
Australian federal government
The government says it will work with affected industries to access the labour they need.
Paul Fowler bought a second pub in Pemberton, which he planned to staff with backpackers.
The federal government initially slowed working holiday visa applications.
Roberto Spadotto was granted a visa extension and started managing a Manjimup pub with his partner.
- Manjimup
- 290 kilometres south of Perth
- Paul Fowler’s pub workforce
- More than 70 per cent are backpackers
- Fowler’s annual backpacker workforce turnover
- 50 to 80 workers
- Spadotto’s farm work
- 88 days
- Manjimup region
- A tourism and agricultural centre
What people are saying
It's only going to make things harder, and it takes away our ability to function
We probably go through 50 to 80 workers a year, all backpacking workers, and so without the backpacking staff, we won't have a workforce here at all
Half a year of a farm job can be very, very hard
And now we're planning to stay, settle, and build a new life here in Australia.