‘Just the beginning’: Far North tourism delegation airs Working Holiday visa worries

Key points

• Far North tourism leaders have returned from Canberra after raising concerns about proposed cuts to the Working Holiday Maker visa program. Leichhardt MP Matt Smith joined industry representatives at Parliament House to stress the value of backpackers to the regional economy.
• Smith said the group had constructive meetings with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Senator Murray Watt. Industry bodies also backed a petition calling on the government to maintain visa availability and length of stay.
• Smith described the talks as just the beginning.