Mark Furler reports in the Sunshine Coast Daily (17.5.16) on the federal government’s announcement that it would delay introducing changes to taxation rules for working backpackers. This comes after a considerable backlash against the proposal from the agricultural and regional tourism sectors.
‘THE $500 million “backpacker tax” may be on life support after reforms were delayed until January, but Australia’s largest group of youth hostels wants the government to pull the plug.
‘News that Small Business Minister and Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer would put tax changes for backpackers on ice until next year have not been enough for YHA, which has 88 hostels dotted across the country.
‘YHA chief executive Julian Ledger said it was not good enough to delay the changes, because that still bred uncertainty for businesses and farmers.
‘”Australia has had a great reputation as a working holiday maker destination and the scheme has been an important driver of youth tourism, ” he said.’