Australia: Backpacker tax still unresolved leaving farmers angry

Farmers are angry at the political games being played with their livelihoods. As the federal opposition shifts towards a 13 percent backpacker tax the government is attempting to garner support for 15 percent. Labor has agreed to support 13 percent for the tax stating, "We are prepared to support a 13 per cent backpacker tax from every dollar earned by backpackers."

Two of the biggest names in Australian horticulture AUSVEG and Citrus Australia have called for all the players in the political game to stop the fighting and compromise on the backpacker tax debacle. They said that Australia's horticulture industry is being held to ransom by the politicians and called for it to stop.

If left unresolved by the time parliament rises for summer break on Thursday the tax may sky-rocket, reverting to 32.5 percent. Farmers are concerned this would hurt seasonal labor, increasing costs and lowering profit margins.

“We implore parliament, as we did last week, to work together come to a sensible consensus decision and we implore government to agree to a sensible rate,” NFF President Fiona, Simson said.