Dear Industry,

Over the past two weeks, BYTAP has been working intensively on the critical issue of the government’s pause on Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa processing. The consequences for our sector — and for the regional communities and industries that depend on WHM workers — are significant and growing.

We want to keep you informed on what has been done, and to ask for your help at this important moment. Click Here To See Member Contact Guide Here

ACTIONS TAKEN

1.  Formal letter to Minister Tony Burke

BYTAP submitted a formal representation to the Minister for Home Affairs outlining the sector’s concerns. We have received a response from the Minister’s office and a Teams meeting has been offered and is being progressed.

2.  Parliamentary briefings

BYTAP members have met directly with MPs including Matt Thistlethwaite (Assistant Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration) to brief them on the real-world impacts this pause is having on youth travel businesses and regional Australia.

3.  National Farmers Federation alignment

BYTAP has formally engaged with the NFF, providing feedback on their draft advocacy letter to ensure youth travel industry perspectives are represented alongside agriculture in submissions to government.

4.  Media engagement

BYTAP has been briefing journalists at the ABC, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Daily Telegraph, contributing to coverage that highlights WHM workers’ essential role in Australia’s economy. The Daily Telegraph’s recent “Save Our Farms” story noted the backpacker workforce as critical to agriculture.

5.  Source market intelligence

We are maintaining contact with our European source market partners, including offices in Germany and the Netherlands. While early reports indicate some visa approvals beginning to come through, cancellations across the sector are increasing.

6.  Expert advocacy support — Simon Westaway

BYTAP has engaged experienced industry advocate Simon Westaway to strengthen our advocacy capability and media presence. Simon brings extensive experience in national tourism policy, having previously represented major tourism industry bodies at the federal level.

WE NEED YOUR VOICE — NOW

There is nothing more powerful than the collective voice of industry. We are asking every member company to send an individual, formal letter to their local government representatives and relevant ministers explaining:

• The direct impact the WHM visa pause is having on your business right now
• The economic contribution your business makes to your region and to Australia
• The flow-on effects to tourism, agriculture, hospitality, and regional communities
• What is at risk if the pause continues or if the program is scaled back

A step-by-step guide on who to contact and a template letter is available at bytap.org.au

We know everyone is busy managing the day-to-day impact of this issue. Your taking the time to write individually to government will make a real difference to the outcome.

We will continue to update you as the situation develops.

Together, our voices are stronger.

On behalf of the BYTAP Committee