Backpacker visa caps bad for business, says premier

要点

• WA Premier Roger Cook has criticised federal changes to working holiday visas, warning they could cost thousands of tourism and hospitality jobs, particularly in regional areas. In a letter to Immigration Minister Tony Burke, Mr Cook said the reforms would hurt many industries in the state that rely on backpackers.
• Under the changes, a ballot will decide who can stay a second or third year, with 45,000 places for a second year and 5000 for a third.
• Mr Cook estimated the reduction would result in the loss of 4500 tourism and hospitality workers.