Lisa Singh

Labor Senator Lisa Singh has called on Tasmanian Liberal Senators to stop grandstanding over the Turnbull Government’s proposed backpacker tax, and instead focus on getting rid of it.

“In the past week we’ve seen Liberal and National party members engaging in megaphone diplomacy with their own government over this tax, instead of simply lobbying their colleagues to just get rid of it.”

“The Turnbull Government’s uncertainty about their own tax proposal has already caused backpacker numbers to drop off, before the tax has even come into effect.

“Backpackers contribute more per capita to Tasmania’s economy than any other state.

“Tasmanian farmers and tourism operators are already reporting a serious drop-off in interest from working holiday visa holders.

“This all amounts to an attack on Tasmania’s two fastest growing industries, tourism and agriculture. The Liberal Party needs to stop this grandstanding, and just kill off their destructive tax proposal.”

RELEASED: 20 SEPTEMBER 2016