Damian Drum (Murray, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

That was how it happened. The government consulted with the industry during the review process and was constantly told that anywhere between 15 and 19 per cent would be a competitive result that would enable the backpackers to make Australia their destination. But the strongest recommendation we found during the review process was the need to get this issue resolved quickly. The issue needed certainty.

Now, after we had reached a compromise of 15 per cent to enable us to get this issue through the Senate, we find that Senators Hinch and Culleton want to play games. They also now want to chase a rate of 10 per cent. It is interesting that last week Senator Hinch voted for 19c in the dollar as a rate of tax. So, in the course of a week, Senator Hinch thinks that 19c is now no good; he thinks that 15 per cent is no good; and, now, Senator Hinch wants us to chase 10 per cent.

I understand the Labor Party and the Greens playing games, because that is what they do, and they do not care about the damage they cause to industry. But, Senators Hinch and Culleton, I do not understand— (Time expired)

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