29 Aug 2016
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) is encouraging farmers from throughout the state to have their say on the Federal Government’s ‘Backpacker Tax’ Review.
Submissions are due by Friday 2 September 2016 with respondents encouraged to consider these 10 important facts before completing the survey.
QFF President Stuart Armitage has once again joined industry members Growcom and Cotton Australia in reiterating QFF’s call 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. 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.”
“QFF welcome and thank the Queensland Government and the Liberal National Party convention’s positions against the proposed backpacker tax. Queensland is in line to be hardest hit, as more than half of all backpackers coming to Australia work and holiday here.”
“It is essential that the results of the Federal Government survey confirm what our industry members already know; that a 32.5 per cent tax rate would result in labour shortages and undermine our industries’ ability to function.”
“QFF and members have already engaged in the Federal Government’s 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.
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