00:02A little touch of Italy in regional WA.
00:07Backpacker Valerie Casto left Puglia for Manjimup almost three years ago,
00:13working to build a future here.
00:16I want to say I'm working to get this opportunity in hospitality or in a farm.
00:25But federal government changes to the working holiday visa program have left backpackers
00:31and local businesses unsure about what comes next.
00:35In Manjimup, Paul Fowler relies heavily on international visitors to fill hard to staff positions.
00:42We've just bought a second hotel in the next door town down here in Pemberton.
00:47We have a workforce currently of around 70 people.
00:51If the changes go ahead, I'd hate to think.
00:56For backpackers that want to stay in a town like this one,
00:59completing 88 days of farm work is no longer a guarantee
01:03they're actually going to get that second year visa
01:05because now they'll also have to enter a ballot system
01:09which is creating a lot of uncertainty for the workers and those that rely on them.
01:15The Australian government says it's reducing the number of visas
01:19to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program
01:23and that it will work with affected industries to make sure they can access the labour they need.
01:30But for this truffle producer, the cutbacks mean he's preparing for a harvest
01:35he's not sure he can finish.
01:37If I don't know I can get the labour, how do I do the job?
01:42National decisions impacting local communities.
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