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Working Holiday Visa Processing Slowdown Sparks Economic Fallout Warnings

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 12:20 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said his department was slowing processing of working holiday visas on 17 August.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas warned that cutting visas would damage the housing construction workforce and economy.
Labor premiers and farming and business groups said arbitrary visa cuts risk the Australian economy.
National Farmers Federation CEO Michael Guerin said visa changes threaten Australia’s food security.

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Story summary

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said his department was slowing processing of working holiday visas on 17 August.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas warned that cutting visas would damage the housing construction workforce and economy.
Labor premiers and farming and business groups said arbitrary visa cuts risk the Australian economy.
National Farmers Federation CEO Michael Guerin said visa changes threaten Australia’s food security.