A critical shortfall of skilled hospitality workers has triggered calls to cut the red tape around visa applications.

Restauranteurs say Australians aren’t applying for more than 100,000 available jobs.

It’s seen some businesses slash their opening hours because they don’t have enough staff.

One of Australia’s best known chefs, Luke Mangan, told John Stanley the only way to avoid widespread closures is to welcome back overseas workers.

“Ideally, we would like to employ Australians first, … but they’re not applying for the jobs, so what can we do?

“Government needs to understand that letting these visa workers in only … helps the economy and helps small businesses.”

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