17th Oct 2016, 6:39 PM – Representatives Income Tax Rates Amendment (Working Holiday Maker Reform) Bill 2016 and three others - Second Reading - Concerns about the bills

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Labor MP Chris Bowen, which means it was rejected. The motion criticised the government's handling of these bills.

What are these bills all about?

These bills change the income tax arrangements for working holiday visa holders. If passed, they will mean that visa holders will be taxed from the first dollar earned, rather than having the usual tax free threshold.

Motion text

That all the words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“while not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House notes:

(1) the Government’s handling of the backpacker tax has been a shambles;

(2) the uncertainty that has been caused to the agriculture and tourism sectors;

(3) the Passenger Movement Charge increase comes despite the Government only weeks before criticising an increase to the Passenger Movement Charge; and

(4) concerns have been expressed about the changes to the arrangements for Working Holiday Makers given the rorting, abuse and exploitation that has occurred.”