INTENSIVE agriculture group the Queensland Farmers’ Federation is encouraging farmers to have their say on the federal government’s ‘backpacker tax’ review.
Submissions are due by September 2. The working holiday maker visa review survey can be completed here.
QFF president Stuart Armitage farm groups including horticulture body Growcom and Cotton Australia were calling for the removal of the proposed backpacker tax and a return to certainty.
“QFF and its member industries continue our campaign in opposition to a tax rate of 32.5 per cent from the first dollar as it is uncompetitive and will drive backpackers overseas to work,” Mr Armitage said.
“We put forward that backpackers should pay tax at a rate that allows them to earn a wage that is internationally competitive.
“Backpackers are an essential component of Queensland agriculture’s labour force. Any policy determination that reduces access to backpacker labour has serious consequences for our industries.
“Backpackers contribute more than $3.5 billion to the economy each year as some 40,000 workers come to regional areas to work on farms.”
Mr Armitage said both the Queensland Government’s and the Liberal National Party convention’s positions against the proposed backpacker tax were welcome.
“Queensland in line to be hardest hit with more than half of all backpackers coming to Australia work and holiday here,” Mr Armitage said.
“It is essential that the results of the federal government survey confirm what our industry members already know; that a 32.5pc tax rate would result in labour shortages and undermine our industries’ ability to function.
“QFF and members have already engaged in the Federal Government’ survey consultation process, however it is essential that farmers also have their say to ensure we get a complete representation from the entire sector.”
Complete the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources survey HERE.
