Andrew Hastie (Canning, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on behalf of the fruit growers and orchardists within the elected of Canning—in particular, the Hills Orchard Improvement Group and their spokesman, Brett DelSimone, who are concerned that the tax revenue increases will negatively impact growers and their families in their area of Canning. Backpackers generate $3.5 billion every year for the Australian economy. Over 40,000 backpackers work on Australian farms each year. Without them, the agricultural industry would face labour shortages. Backpacker numbers are already in decline. If we disincentivise them further, they may look to other countries for work, which will leave fewer workers on Australian farms. Local businesses are also affected, as these working holiday-makers spend their earnings within the economies of their residence.

Capogreco Farms in Hamel, Canning are a fine example of a business who rely upon backpacker labour. They hire 60 backpackers, who, for four months of the year, process and box 70 tonnes of melons a day. Dane and Bruno, the managers of the farm, are critical of the proposed 32.5 per cent backpacker tax that is due to take effect in July this year. Their international workers live on the property, buy all their food from the local township and cook in their dorms. I am, therefore, heartened by the government's willingness to discuss policy changes in this area and to protect Australian businesses.

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