Backpackers question regional work as visa ballot replaces guaranteed stay

Backpackers say regional jobs will become less appealing under changes to Australia's working holiday visas, as a ballot replaces the guaranteed second year previously available after completing 88 days of regional or rural work.

The changes are due to take effect over the next 12 months. The allocation for second-year visas will shrink to 45,000 from 57,000, while 5,000 third-year visas will be available, down from 31,000.

Meghan Morris, an Irish backpacker working at De Bortoli Wines in Griffith during her third year in Australia, said the ballot reduced the reason to undertake regional work. She was satisfied with her current workplace but said some earlier jobs had lacked running water in bathrooms or somewhere sheltered to eat.

Chilean backpacker Catalina Quiroga said the uncertainty made her question the effort and expense involved. She would rather enjoy Sydney or Melbourne than work in a rural area without knowing whether she could stay longer.

Growers also raised concerns about harvest labour. Tom Eastlake, a cherry grower based in Young in southern NSW, said his six-week spring harvest depended on backpackers. Without sufficient workers during the limited picking period, crops would remain unharvested, he said.

Griffith winemaker Darren De Bortoli said his business relied on backpackers to function. They represented 85 per cent of its workforce during vintage, a three-month period beginning in January.

The Department of Home Affairs said it would work with agriculture, tourism and hospitality businesses on implementing the changes. It said working holiday maker numbers were historically high and the reforms sought to manage demand, distribute visas more fairly and preserve the program's long-term sustainability and integrity.