Australian cotton growers and those in the industry are urged to have their say in the Australian Government’s review into the proposed Backpacker Tax.
Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray said despite joint calls from Cotton Australia, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and its allies during the recent election campaign, the Government did not heed calls to immediately revise its ‘Backpacker Tax’ plans, but instead announced a post-election inquiry.
“Our position has not changed, we still believe the Government’s 2015-16 Budget commitment to tax backpackers at a rate of 32.5 cents on every dollar of income would be disastrous,” Mr Murray said.
“Backpackers are very important to cotton communities. They fill critical labour needs at peak times, and bring new life into rural communities. If backpackers have to pay 32.5 cents tax in every dollar, they won’t come anymore.”
“Cotton Australia is calling on cotton growers to help retain access to backpackers by participating in a short, easy to complete Department of Agriculture and Water Resources’ survey. The survey closes on September 2, 2016.”
Growers and those in the cotton industry are encouraged to visit Cotton Australia’s website for more information on how to make their voice heard in the survey.
Mr Murray said that “the more people in agricultural and rural industries that complete the survey, the more likely it is that the Australian Government will heed our concerns about the proposed tax”.
Cotton Australia is compiling a formal submission as a part of the latest review process, following input into earlier reviews. Cotton Australia will also attend face-to-face consultations on behalf of growers.
