Media Release | 18 August 2026
Scott Leary MLA
Shadow Minister for Tourism
Shane Love MLA
The Leader of Nationals WA
Shadow Minister for Tourism Scott Leary MLA says the Premier and Tourism Minister has failed to stand up for Western Australia’s tourism industry after he refused to say whether he had acted over changes threatening the supply of backpacker workers to regional WA.
In State Parliament today, Mr Leary asked the Premier what action he had taken with his Federal Labor colleagues following reports Working Holiday Maker visa applications had been paused for 24 countries and delayed for a further 19.
Mr Leary said the question was simple – had the Premier acted to protect WA tourism businesses that rely on Working Holiday Makers to fill critical workforce shortages?
“The Premier had every opportunity today to tell Western Australians what he has done to stand up for our tourism industry – but he refused to answer,” Mr Leary said.
“That should be deeply concerning for tourism and hospitality operators across regional WA who are already struggling to find enough workers.
“Working Holiday Makers are not just tourists. They are a critical part of the workforce in regional communities across the state, working in our hotels, restaurants, cafes and tourism businesses.
“If fewer backpackers can get to Western Australia, it will be regional businesses that feel the impact first.”
The latest concerns follow the Federal Labor Government’s decision to remove priority visa processing for regional employers, adding further pressure to businesses already struggling with persistent workforce shortages.
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA said the State Government could not claim tourism as a priority while remaining silent when Federal decisions threatened the workforce underpinning the industry.
“The Premier is also the Tourism Minister. He should be on the phone to Canberra making it crystal clear that Western Australia cannot afford decisions that make it harder for regional tourism businesses to find workers,” Mr Leary said.
“Regional tourism operators deserve to know whether their Tourism Minister is actually fighting for them.”
ENDS
