Visa reforms slash backpacker work permits, sparking concerns for Australian farms

Over the coming year, Australia will tighten its working holiday maker program, cutting second-year visas from 57,000 to 45,000 and third-year visas from 31,000 to 5,000, and replacing the automatic extension after 88 days of regional work with a ballot. Backpackers, including Irish resident Meghan Morris and Chilean citizen Catalina Quiroga, say the reduced chances of staying longer make demanding farm jobs less worthwhile.

They cite poor conditions such as lack of running water and shade during long field shifts. Growers like Tom Eastlake, who relies on backpackers for the spring cherry harvest, warn that the sector could face a "catastrophic" shortfall amid rising input costs. Wine producer Darren De Bortoli notes that 85% of his seasonal staff are backpackers and stresses their importance to regional economies. A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said the reforms aim to manage demand and preserve the program’s integrity, while industry groups stress the need for stable labor supplies.