22/09/2026
BUDGET BACKPACKERS
Standing up for backpackers, regional workers and Far North Queensland
Innisfail Budget Backpackers is deeply concerned about the Australian Government’s proposed changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa program and strongly opposes the introduction of caps and a ballot system for second and third year visas.
Under the proposed arrangements, the number of second year visas could be limited to 45,000, while third year visas could be reduced to just 5,000. Rather than being able to rely on completing the required regional work to qualify for another year, backpackers could find themselves competing in a ballot for the opportunity to stay.
For someone who has travelled to regional Australia, completed months of physically demanding work and met the specified work requirements, having their future decided by a random selection process is a significant change to the agreement they believed they were entering into.
Regional Australia relies on backpackers
Here in Innisfail, the Cassowary Coast and across Far North Queensland, backpackers play an important role in our regional workforce.
They work alongside locals on farms, in packing sheds, hospitality, tourism and other industries that rely heavily on seasonal workers. They help businesses fill positions that can otherwise be extremely difficult to staff.
The impact goes beyond the workplace.
Backpackers rent accommodation, purchase groceries, eat at local restaurants and cafes, shop with local businesses, travel throughout the region and contribute to the wider economy. Many form strong friendships and connections with the people and communities they meet during their time here.
A change that creates uncertainty around whether these workers can return or remain for another year will inevitably affect regional employers and the communities that depend on them.
We haven’t forgotten their contribution during COVID-19
There is another part of this conversation that deserves to be remembered.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when international borders closed and many people were separated from their families, numerous backpackers chose to remain in regional Australia.
They continued turning up to work in difficult and uncertain circumstances — picking and packing produce, working on farms and helping maintain Australia’s food supply chain.
While many people around the world were trying to get home, these workers stayed and continued contributing to regional communities.
That contribution should not be forgotten.
The current system provides an incentive to undertake regional work
The Working Holiday Maker program has traditionally provided a clear pathway: complete the required specified regional work and, if you meet the relevant criteria, you can apply for an additional year.
That certainty is important.
Backpackers make travel, accommodation and employment decisions based on the rules that are in place. Regional businesses also plan their workforce around the availability of these workers.
Introducing a ballot means that completing the required work may no longer provide the same certainty.
A person could do everything asked of them and still be unable to continue their Australian experience simply because they were unsuccessful in a ballot.
We believe any changes to the program need to properly consider the people who have already committed their time, money and labour based on the existing arrangements.
We are calling for a fair approach
Innisfail Budget Backpackers is supporting efforts to ensure the voices of backpackers and regional communities are heard.
We are engaging with representatives and regional stakeholders, including growers, employers, tourism organisations, councils, chambers of commerce and industry groups.
We are calling for:
A reconsideration of the proposed ballot system and restrictive visa caps.
A clear and reliable pathway to second and third year visas for backpackers who complete the required verified specified work.
Appropriate protections for backpackers who have already commenced, or planned their Australian journey around, the current requirements.
Genuine consultation with backpackers, farmers, employers and regional communities before major changes are introduced.
Transparent and credible modelling showing the potential workforce and economic impact of the proposed changes on regional Australia.
To the backpackers who have worked here — thank you
To every backpacker who has lived and worked in Innisfail, the Cassowary Coast and Far North Queensland, we want you to know something:
You are more than just workers.
You have become part of our communities.
You have worked long hours, started early, taken on physically demanding jobs and helped keep regional industries moving.
You have supported local businesses, rented rooms, explored our region and brought energy and diversity into our towns.
And many of you have left with friendships and memories that last long after you return home.
For all of that — thank you.
To those currently living and working in our region, and to those thinking about coming here, please know that the proposed changes do not represent how we feel about you.
You are welcome in Innisfail.
You are valued by our community.
Your work makes a difference.
And your contribution matters.
Innisfail Budget Backpackers will continue to stand alongside backpackers and advocate for a fair, practical and reliable Working Holiday Maker program that recognises the important role they play in regional Australia.
Innisfail Budget Backpackers
Innisfail, Far North Queensland
