QUEENSLAND horticulture group Growcom has added its voice to the chorus of dismay that the Turnbull government did not abandon the controversial backpacker tax as part of the federal budget released last night.
Growcom chief executive officer Pat Hannan said it was astonishing that despite receiving an alternative proposal endorsed by both the agriculture and tourism sectors, the government has made no move to change the controversial tax to be introduced on July 1.
“Make no mistake, the government has put agriculture generally, and our own production horticulture industry in particular, in serious danger,” Mr Hannan said.
“It is step that is completely inconsistent with the current election and budget rhetoric about supporting small businesses.
“While there are rumours that the government is planning an initiative to take to the election, growers need certainty.
“This issue should not be a political football. Growers have to make decisions about planting crops now, and these decisions rely on having access to labour.”
Mr Hannan said the government may have a long term workforce plan but growers had a short term labour issue which would have ramifications for the whole community if key fruit and vegetable commodities were not available, or increased in price as a consequence of labour shortages.
“It was made clear to government that the plan, which will mean working holiday makers (backpackers) will pay 32.5 cents in the dollar from the first dollar they earn will have devastating consequences for labour supply to the horticulture industry,” Mr Hannan said.
“Our growers rely on backpackers, particularly at harvest time. The viability of many farms, and the livelihood of many growers and their families, has been put at risk by the federal government’s decision.
“Industry put forward a workable compromise position of a 19pc tax rate for backpackers with no tax free threshold and it is our understanding that this was taken forward to cabinet.
“Backpacker numbers have been dropping over the past two years, with over 34,000 fewer visas granted in 2014-15 than in 2012-13. While there are several factors there is no doubt that the federal government’s backpacker tax is a significant one – with word already spreading among backpackers both within Australia and overseas on social media.
“While Australian growers’ first preference is always to employ local workers, there is simply not enough local labour to satisfy demand during peak harvesting periods, and backpackers play a vital role on Australian farms by providing a workforce during these critical times.
"We are calling on the treasurer to urgently reverse this ridiculous counter-productive measure and show meaningful support to agriculture and regional communities.”
