Common-sense has prevailed, ending 18 months of political chaos and uncertainty faced by farmers.

Finally, the issue of working holiday-maker taxation has been resolved. We welcome the compromise 15 per cent deal reached by those politicians who were willing to negotiate on this issue. 

The political games of the past 18 months do not represent the best of Australian politics and farmers are glad to see the issue of the Backpacker Tax in the rearview mirror.

Importantly, certainty has been restored for Australian growers who rely on seasonal labour at critical times of the season and the rural communities that rely on agriculture.

The 15% tax rate restores Australia’s competitiveness as a destination for backpackers.

The Backpacker Tax resolution comes at a crucial time for Australia’s cotton industry.

Seasonal workers are absolutely critical to our industry’s productivity, especially over summer when labour requirements peak.

Cotton Australia has long-opposed the proposed 32.5 per cent tax rate, which would have been disastrous.

Over the past 18 months, Cotton Australia has been part of a co-ordinated campaign with the National Farmers’ Federation, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation and many other allied groups across farming and tourism in prosecuting the case for a sensible rate.

Although a resolution has taken far longer than is acceptable, we’ve worked with our allies to ensure this issue remained firmly on the political agenda until the compromise was reached.

It’s now time to put aside political differences and for all sides of politics to get on with a whole range of bigger issues for Australian farmers and society as a whole.

Michael Murray

General manager

Cotton Australia 

ROADS and Maritime Services (RMS) has urged everyone able to donate blood to make an appointment with the Red Cross and help out in the lead up to the holiday break.

The need for blood never takes a break and donated blood will be needed every day in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year to help treat injured, sick and seriously ill Australians.

At the RMS we know very well that thousands of holiday makers hit the road during the holiday break and may not be able to give blood.

We have also seen firsthand the need for blood donations in emergency situations across the road network.

That’s why this year staff have saved 500 lives by donating blood as part of the Australian Red Cross’ Red25 campaign.

We encourage every able Australian to give blood and prevent a critical shortage during the holidays.

Every year, the festive season is marked by two sad stories: the number of tragedies that occur on our roads and a drop in blood supplies as people take holidays.

It is particularly critical that people book an appointment over weekends and long-weekends as stocks of platelets, which trauma patients rely on for treatment, always plummet, as they only have a shelf life of five days.

People can donate at donor centres or donor mobiles located close to where they may be holidaying.

We would prefer this December is marked by the number of lives saved. That is why in addition to urging drivers to take care, we are encouraging people to give blood.

Angus Mitchell 

Executive director

RMS