Greens flip on backpacker tax

A particularly stressful week for farmers has come to a relieving end with the Greens today supporting the federal government’s proposed 15 per cent backpacker tax after voting against it yesterday.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale said his nine senators would support the rate and their decision would mean certainty for farmers and the environment.

That’s after the Greens and crossbenchers yesterday threw their support behind Labor’s ambition of dropping the rate to 10.5 cents on the dollar.

The bill is expected to pass the Senate tonight.

WAFarmers chief executive Stephen Brown welcomed the decision.

“We’ve finally got certainty after 18 months of deliberation, and growers can now breathe easier knowing that there will continue to be a supply of working holiday makers ready and willing to pick their produce,” Mr Brown said.

“It also ensures that Australia remains an attractive competitive nation in which to holiday and work.

“WAFarmers, alongside the National Farmers’ Federation, state farming organisations and other industry bodies, has campaigned tirelessly to see a sensible decision reached on this issue.

“Despite some trying times, we have never lost sight of our goal, and we applaud and thank everyone involved for their dedication and ongoing support for the agricultural industry on this issue.”