Government should consider economic role of working holidaymakers: ABEA Photo Credit: iStock/Cristian
The Australian Business Events Association has urged the Federal Government to rethink proposed changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa programme, warning that slower processing and a pause on applications from 24 capped partner countries could leave the events industry short of workers for major events.
ABEA CEO Melissa Brown said the government should look beyond net migration figures and consider the workforce and economic role of working holiday makers, particularly in industries with sharp seasonal and event-driven peaks.
“Many of our venue, supplier and organiser members rely on those with working holiday visas, especially for the delivery of large-scale events and experiences that Australia is known for,” Brown said.
“They provide an exceptional opportunity for cultural and work exchange and bolster our workforce when we need it most.”
“We want to see more people available to work in Australia. Our industry demands it.”
Harry the hirer CEO Gab Robinson said 23% of the company’s 1,328 employees in FY25-26 were employed under a Working Holiday Maker visa, with the business typically hiring 300 to 400 working holiday travellers during peak periods.
“The business events industry operates around significant peaks in demand, and Working Holiday Makers are an essential part of our ability to scale our workforce when our clients need it most,” Robinson said.
“These are hardworking people who want to work, travel and contribute while they are in Australia.”
Robinson said the programme should remain flexible, inexpensive and simple for both employers and travellers, with as few unnecessary restrictions as possible.
“The Government needs to make it easier to employ people to do the work that Australian businesses need,” he said.
Moreton Hire CEO Dan Morahan said visa holders were also critical to his company’s national operations, with about 22% of staff across its branches holding a Working Holiday Maker or other visa class.
That figure does not include staff employed through labour agencies, where Morahan said visa-holder participation is higher.
“They are a major and important mix in our employee group; they enable our business to scale and deliver in peak times. They also provide important skill exchange within our business,” Morahan said.
The Victorian Convention and Event Trust, which manages the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, employs 246 people across visa categories including Working Holiday Maker and student visas.
ABEA said the economic contribution of working holiday makers extends beyond event delivery. Tourism Research Australia data shows Working Holiday Makers spent about A$1.1 billion in regional Australia in 2025, representing 20 % of all international visitor spending in regional Australia.
They also spent $3.3 billion in Australia’s capital cities, accounting for 10 % of international visitor expenditure in those destinations.