Cotton growers concern about tax

Australian cotton growers and those in the industry are urged to have their say in the Australian Government’s review into the proposed Backpacker Tax. Cotton Australia general manager Michael Murray said despite joint calls from Cotton Australia, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and its allies during the recent election campaign, the Government did not heed calls to immediately revise its ‘Backpacker Tax’ plans, but instead announced a post-election inquiry. “Our position has not changed, we still believe the Government’s 2015-16 Budget commitment  to tax backpackers at a rate of 32.5 cents on every dollar of income would be disastrous,” Mr Murray said. “Backpackers are very important to cotton communities. They fill critical labour needs at peak times, and bring new life into rural communities.”