Media Release | 1 September 2026
Scott Leary MLA
Shadow Minister for Tourism
Shadow Minister for Tourism Scott Leary MLA, has warned the Albanese Government’s mishandling of the Working Holiday Maker visa program risks leaving tourism and hospitality businesses across regional Western Australia short-staffed as they prepare for their busiest season of the year.
“Regional WA’s tourism industry depends on working holiday makers and, right now, the Albanese Government has thrown that workforce into uncertainty,” Mr Leary said.
“As we head into the warmer months, cafes, pubs, hotels, caravan parks, tour operators and accommodation providers across WA are gearing up for increased visitor numbers.
“The reality is, working holiday makers are the people serving meals, cleaning rooms, guiding tours and helping tourism businesses keep their doors open.
“In Broome, businesses are always looking for hospitality workers for their busy season. In Exmouth, whale shark and reef tourism operators rely on seasonal workers to help meet demand. Across the South West, Great Southern and Wheatbelt, hospitality venues are already struggling to find staff.
“If businesses can’t find workers, opening hours are cut, accommodation capacity is reduced, visitor experiences suffer and local operators lose income, impacting regional economies.”
Mr Leary said he had already raised the issue directly with the Premier in a recent Question Time, asking what the State Government was doing to stand up to its federal Labor colleagues, only to receive political attacks instead of answers.
“Regional businesses don’t need political point-scoring. They need the Premier to pick up the phone to Canberra and start fighting for Western Australia’s tourism industry.”
Working holiday makers contribute an estimated $4.68 billion to the Australian economy each year, including $726 million spent in regional communities. Their contribution extends well beyond the workplace, supporting local accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism businesses.
“The Albanese Government needs to urgently clarify the future of this program and guarantee regional tourism businesses aren’t left to pay the price.
“If Canberra keeps fumbling this, it will be tourism operators, hospitality venues, accommodation providers, small businesses and regional communities across Western Australia that feel it.”
Mr Leary had a personal message for the Prime Minister: Next time you visit WA, you might have to pour your own beer!
ENDS
