KPAT Hotels warns visa changes could constrain Queensland’s tourism workforce and investment

# What happened KPAT Hotels, a Queensland-based hotel group, warned that proposed changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa could undermine the state's hotel market growth. The group wants the Federal Government to consult industry before making changes that would restrict pathways for international temporary workers.

# Why KPAT is raising the alarm KPAT says workforce uncertainty affects the ability to run newly built accommodation and to justify private-sector investment. Managing Director Kenneth Wagner said hotels need staff to operate, and that reducing access to Working Holiday Makers would affect recruitment, service standards and business confidence to invest.

KPAT's portfolio covers hotels, restaurants, bars and hospitality venues across regional, coastal and metropolitan Queensland. The group reports direct exposure to workforce pressure in those markets and notes many roles are filled by Working Holiday Makers — kitchens, restaurants, bars, housekeeping, events and hotel operations.

# Current visa context cited by KPAT Holiday subclass 417 and Work and Holiday subclass 462 applications. Many capped first-year subclass 462 country streams are paused or managed through ballot arrangements. Second and third subclass 462 visas remain uncapped under current settings. KPAT says no final decisions on further changes have been announced, which is why it wants industry involved before policy shifts.

# Investment example: Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel KPAT opened the 180-room Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel in May 2026. The company describes the project as private investment responding to Queensland's need for more tourism accommodation ahead of 2032. KPAT argues it makes little sense to encourage investment in rooms while changing the labour settings that allow those rooms to be staffed.

# KPAT's position on local workforce development KPAT supports developing local talent, training and long-term careers for Australians. At the same time, the group frames international workers as a necessary complement to local hires, particularly where demand is seasonal or varies by location. KPAT argues workforce planning must match capacity planning: building rooms without ensuring available staff will not solve the state's tourism capacity challenge.

• Clear communication about any pending visa changes.
• Formal consultation with tourism and hospitality businesses before decisions are made.
• Policy settings that balance migration headline figures with the operational needs of tourism businesses and the visitor economy.

# Practical implications for the sector If Working Holiday Maker pathways are materially reduced, KPAT warns the consequences will extend beyond recruitment delays. Potential outcomes include reduced operational capacity, lower service standards, and diminished investor confidence in new accommodation projects.

# Bottom line KPAT Hotels urges the Federal Government to work with the tourism industry before altering temporary visa settings. The company frames this as necessary so hotels and hospitality businesses can plan staffing, maintain service standards and justify continued investment in Queensland's growing visitor economy.