Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has welcomed the Government’s decision not to introduce the Backpacker Tax on July 1. “I am very happy that the tax will not be introduced from July 1,” Mr Hogan said. “Our farmers face ongoing challenges to secure an adequate workforce to pick the blueberries, harvest macadamias, process meat and milk cows. “We have the opportunity to double our agricultural production to meet growing global food and demand – but we need a workforce to do so.” The proposal to introduce the tax will now be reviewed as part of a larger review of workforce shortages faced by the agriculture and tourism industries. It will report by October, allowing any changes to be introduced by 1 January 2017. “Working holiday makers are an important source of workers for agriculture, with more than 90 per cent of second year working holiday maker visa holders having worked in agriculture in their first year in Australia,” Mr Hogan said. “I, and many of my National Party colleagues, have been talking with local farmers and our communities who are concerned that backpackers may choose not to come to Australia if they have to pay the proposed tax. “As a result, the Government has agreed to review the tax and defer the introduction of this tax for 6 months. “As part of the Coalition, I will continue to stand by our farmers, helping them to lift farmgate returns, grow quality food and create jobs in our regional communities. “We have the opportunity to double our agricultural production to meet growing global food and demand – but we need a workforce to do so.”