Following our representations to the Australian Government, I can confirm that the Tasmanian Government has been successful in having the State included in the program of face-to-face public consultations regarding the impact of a proposed change to the `Backpacker Tax’.
We welcome the review and the public consultations. The Tasmanian horticulture sector contributes over $345 million (2014-15) in farm gate value to the Tasmanian economy and is an important and growing contributor to the State’s regional employment, tourism and the overall Tasmanian brand.
It has been confirmed that written submissions will close on September 2 and consultations and face-to-face meetings will begin in Hobart on September 5.
Tasmanian perennial horticultural enterprises such as cherries and berry fruits are in an expansion phase. As an example, one industry grower alone exports to 20 countries and employs a permanent workforce of 20 staff. This workforce swells to 600 from December to February during the peak harvest time for cherries.
Similarly, the Tasmanian tourism sector, which is experiencing record visitor numbers and growth, is heavily reliant on seasonal workers.
Given the vital importance of this issue to the Tasmanian horticulture and tourism industries, I was pleased with the positive response from Minister Hartsuyker who agreed that face to face consultations would occur in Tasmania as part of the review process
I have previously written to the Deputy Prime Minister Hon Barnaby Joyce MP and other Federal Ministers clearly outlining the Tasmanian Government’s concern regarding the impact of the proposed introduction of a ‘Backpacker Tax’ on the productivity and growth of the Tasmanian horticulture and tourism sectors.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water