December 1, 2016
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the horticultural sector and tourism industry will get the certainty it needs following a breakthrough on the backpacker tax.
The Coalition Government has secured an agreement on the working holiday maker tax, including $100 million additional funding for Landcare.
Mr Chester said the outcome was another example of the Coalition Government providing certainty for regional communities.
“The Nationals in government are getting on with the job of delivering,” Mr Chester said.
“This agreement is good news for farmers, it is good news for seasonal workers, and it is a fair outcome for all Australian workers.
“During the election campaign, we gave a commitment to resolve the backpacker tax issue. Today, we have been able to deliver that commitment.”
The tax rate for 417 and 462 visa holders will become 15 per cent, consistent with the rate applicable to visa holders under the Seasonal Workers Program.
From 1 July 2017 the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) rate will be set at 65 per cent for all 417 and 462 Visa holders.
In addition, the Coalition will spend an additional $100 million on Landcare initiatives.
Mr Chester said this would be invested in making practical environmental improvements on farms across regional Australia.
“Landcare is a great program that makes a real difference to farmers, making their land more productive and sustainable. This leads to improved land values and can lead to better profitability,” he said.
“Spending an additional $100 million on Landcare is another win for regional communities.”
Mr Chester said the Coalition had acted in good faith by negotiating on the issue and was supported by farming lobby groups.
“Labor played politics on this issue and we focussed on getting a good result for Australian farmers,” Mr Chester said.
“Working holiday makers are an important source of labour for the horticulture sector, and tourism industry.
“Obviously, the first preference is to see Australians working. But there are many seasonal job opportunities which are required to be filled by an international labour force.”