Hospitality Workers Needed in Western Australia

Topic: Travel and Tourism

Martine and Delfina are working holiday makers in Margaret River.

In short:

Rottnest Island is considered 'remote' under visa rules.

Backpackers cannot do hospitality work in the South West to extend visas.

A Rottnest business owner defended the island's 'remote' listing.

A unique rule is causing headaches for country businesses facing staff shortages.

Backpackers can work on Rottnest Island for 88 days to qualify for a second visa.

Hospitality work in Western Australia's South West does not qualify for a second visa.

Rottnest Island is classified as 'remote' by the Australian government.

South West communities are regarded as 'inner' and 'outer regional'.

Visa rules are costing businesses.

The Department of Home Affairs aims for cultural exchange with working holiday visas.

Hotels and food businesses want to retain quality staff in towns like Pemberton and Margaret River.

Alessandro Fucci wants hospitality work in Margaret River to count towards visa extensions.

Cafe owner Alessandro Fucci says trained workers are leaving due to visa rules.

Workers have to leave to find a job to extend their visa.

Our economy relies on backpackers who have to leave to find work.

Argentinian backpacker Delfina Artero is working in hospitality in Margaret River.

Delfina needs to do 88 days of farm work for a second visa.

Argentinian working holiday maker Delfina Artero at a Margaret River cafe.

Farm work in Margaret River is eligible for visa extension, but hospitality is not.

Delfina needs to find farm work but does not know where yet.

It is difficult to attract staff to Rottnest.

Business owners on Rottnest have defended the island's 'remote' listing.

Hollie Brindle runs five stores on Rottnest Island, including a bakery.

Rottnest is considered remote by the immigration department.

It is hard to attract workers to Rottnest due to limited accommodation.

There is no private residential accommodation on the island.

There's nowhere to stay.

Expand hospitality work

Employers in other areas want to see visa rules expanded.

Lisa Radomiljac runs a winery and farm shop in Pemberton.

Farm work in Pemberton counts towards the 88 days, but hospitality does not.

Lisa often turns away backpackers looking for farm work.

Lisa wants the Department of Home Affairs to open up hospitality as an option.

Many hospitality venues in the region struggle to get workers.

Remote employers note it can be hard to lure backpackers away from the coast.

Margaret River is a popular destination for travellers, including backpackers.

The Department of Home Affairs is reviewing working holiday visas.

The review aims to support labour market objectives in regional Australia.