November 7, 2016
Federal MP David Littleproud says his electorate of Maranoa – which relies heavily on backpacker labour – has been left in limbo by Labor and cross-benchers in the Senate.
Mr Littleproud accused the Senators of “toying” with producers and businesses in Maranoa by failing to pass the reduction made to the backpacker tax.
“With only three weeks of sittings left this year, it’s imperative to Maranoa’s producers that this is resolved as quickly as possible,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I am becoming increasingly frustrated with these out-of-touch senators who insist on toying with our farmers’ livelihoods in the lead up to Christmas.
“Backpackers make up more than a quarter of the national agricultural workforce and, in some areas this figure is almost 80 per cent.
“This tax uncertainty is affecting producers more than any other sector in our economy during – what should be – one of their busiest times.
“This legislation is time-sensitive and we can’t afford to wait any longer as producers in my electorate are ready to harvest now.
“The Coalition Government listened to industry concern in Maranoa and outlined a new plan for the backpacker tax, but now Labor is stalling this pathway forward so I call on the cross-benchers to step-up in the Senate and pass the amendments.
“The horticultural, agricultural and tourism industries make a fundamental contribution to the local economy and often rely on working backpackers, in everything from picking fruit to manning the bar at the local pub.”
The Coalition Government sought comments on the backpacker tax. More than 1700 stakeholders made submissions to reach a new outcome, cutting the tax rate from 32.5 per cent to 19 per cent.
“Labor still had a 32.5 per cent backpacker tax rate in its official election costings and is still using this as its official policy,” Mr Littleproud said.
While some farming groups, such as the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, have welcome the reduced tax rate, others – such as farmers in Tasmania – believe it is still too high.
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- Labor Blamed For Backpacker Tax Delay
- MP Welcomes Backpacker Backdown
- Nats Claim Victory On Backpacker Tax
- QFF Urges Farmers To Fill In Backpacker Survey
- Review Will Look At Backpacker Tax
- Government Defers Backpacker Tax
- Queensland MPs Urge PM To Scrap Backpacker Tax
- Farmers Fight ‘Backpacker Tax’
