2016-12-02
Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson is relieved to see the backpacker tax impasse finally resolved to provide certainty for Tasmania’s agriculture and tourism industries and to have helped deliver additional funding to landcare groups right across the state.
Senator Whish-Wilson said, “What a bloody relief to get this finally done. It should never have gotten to this point, but I am relieved it to finally have it resolved.
“The Greens are the only party who had strong consistent position on this this bad policy and everything we have done in parliament is to get the best possible deal for Tasmanian farmers.
“The Greens have stepped up and delivered some certainty for Tasmania this Summer. This was not a time and issue for brinkmanship, it was a time for commonsense negotiation.
“I have been in contact with producers over the backpacker tax debacle since the beginning. I stood with local growers during the election campaign against the government’s 32% tax rate.
“I thank all the Tasmanian small business in the agricultural and tourism sector for engaging with us in good faith.
“The additional $100 million towards landcare funding will provide groups across Tasmania the ability to better care for our amazing natural resources. The Greens are proud to have delivered for groups who care for our land and wildlife,” he concluded.
Media ReleaseTreasuryAgriculture and Rural AffairsTourism