Canberra’s backpacker tax backdown welcomed but could come too late

 Federal backflip long time coming
 Industry hopes it’s not too late and damage not already done
 Commonwealth must send clear message so workers still come

Shadow Primary Industries Minister Rebecca White has today welcomed the Turnbull Government’s backflip on its unnecessary backpacker tax after months of damaging international publicity which threatened to take a major toll on the local tourism and horticultural industries.

Ms White backed calls from the agricultural industry and growers around the state for an immediate and widespread social media campaign by the government to lure international tourists to Tasmanian in time for the harvesting season.

“The move today by Canberra to lower the tax from 32.5 cents to 19 cents is a sensible win for the local horticultural industry which lobbied hard to stop this very damaging proposal by the Turnbull Government,” Ms White said.

“But at the same time concern prevails that the damage has already been done and a real risk remains that seasonal workers will not alter their travel plans so close to the picking season.

“The government needs to get the message out quickly via a comprehensive media campaign that Australia is now on the same field as other seasonal backpacker regions.

“This sorry saga was a creation of the Turnbull Government and while the Prime Minister and Treasurer have now done the right thing and sanity has prevailed, they must make an effort to clean up the mess they created.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Primary Industries Minister