Ord farmer David Menzel has welcomed the review of the Federal Government's proposed backpacker tax. Federal Government to review its controversial backpacker tax Backpackers say they'll think twice about Australia Farmers have welcomed a Federal Government review of plans to increase the taxes backpackers pay.The horticulture industry, tourism groups and agricultural lobbies have maintained a sustained campaign against the proposal, which they say could ruin their sectors.David Menzel, a melon and chia grower from Western Australia's far north, said it was time the Government acknowledged the damage the tax posed to farming."We have a strong reliance on overseas travellers for our workforce, especially [in] remote areas like this," he said."If we start treating one class of worker different to another we're looking for trouble."The changes were due to take effect from July. Rural news in your inbox? Subscribe for the national headlines of the day. They included taxing farmers 32.5 per cent from the first dollar they earn and leave backpackers unable to claim the tax free threshold.

Mr Menzel said the proposal was excessive and would deter backpackers from doing harvest work.He said the 19 per cent rate proposed by the National Farmers' Federation was fairer, but superannuation changes were also a possibility.Tourism Minister Richard Colbeck will lead the review of the backpacker tax, which is expected to be completed before July 1.Darryl Hardman, a banana grower from Carnarvon, also suggested changes to superannuation might be a solution."nait backpackThat [superannuation] should be retirement money left in Australia, not people putting in their pocket taking it out of Australia," he said."canon c300 backpack ukIf the Government wants money look at that one because we either want [backpackers] to spend it here or leave it here, one or the other."burton 17l backpack

The review was also welcomed by Andrew Coldbeck, a harvest labour service provider in remote parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.Mr Coldbeck said he hoped the Government would listen to the industry's concerns."I agree with some of the concepts behind the tax, but it just needs to be a realistic tax rate," he said."We don't need to deter [backpackers] with an unfair tax."Queensland's Labor Government is calling for the Federal Government to scrap the backpacker tax completely.State Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson said the tax was a threat to productivity. "Queensland is certainly against this tax," she said."I've heard it loud and clear from all of our producers that this is something that's going to hurt them and hurt them badly, particularly at a time where we're seeing record exports and interest in our produce. This is something we can't afford to meddle with. "They should just leave it as it is."However, Queensland's peak horticulture lobby group Growcom acknowledged the Federal Government's argument that backpackers should pay a greater amount of tax."

We absolutely agree that backpackers should be taxed and we are quite comfortable with the concept of them being taxed from the first dollar that they earn," Growcom spokeswoman Rachel Mackenzie said."But the 32.5 per cent tax rate is far too high."The Queensland Horticulture Council, of which Growcom is a member, is advocating for a flat tax rate of 15 per cent for backpackers, equal to that paid by those involved in the Seasonal Workers Programme."We absolutely support the review," Ms Mackenzie said."The potential impact is quite significant and we need to manage that impact to ensure that our horticulture industry is able to access labour in the way that it has been."Backpackers who have heard about this Government's decision are already signalling their intention not to come to Australia this year."Federal Nationals MP Andrew Broad, from the north west Victorian seat Mallee, claimed he was the driving force behind the tax review. His electorate takes in the large horticulture production region of Sunraysia, which has been voicing concerns about the tax."

Everyone's taken a role but I've certainly led this through the backbench committee and led this through the Coalition party room meeting," Mr Broad said."This had really significant risk of undermining our workforce in out horticulture sector."The time frame is certainly tighter than I would have liked, had the Government acted on my first initial letter in June 2015 and had industry been taking a leadership role instead of largely being asleep at the wheel. "However, I'm making the strong point that if we have to delay our budget projections for the first 12 months then we should."This website no longer supports Internet Explorer 9 or below, please upgrade to a newer browser. Target has a new app With new features and a new design it’s quicker and easier to shop at Target FREE Click + Collect For more great brands. Mon, 30 Jan – Sun, 5 Feb 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mon, 6 Feb – Sun, 12 Feb

9:00 AM – 5:00 PMOur Kimberley tours primarily operate in a 16 seat 4WD Isuzu truck. This is a much smaller passenger number than the majority of other 4wd tour operators in the Kimberley, allowing for a more personalised experience. If 6 or less people book onto a tour we may change our vehicle to operate the 6 passenger Landcruiser, although this is primarily used for custom / tailored safaris. If you would like to guarantee that you travel in the Landcruiser, please advise us at time of booking so that we can quote the additional amount for this smaller vehicle.Half day and one day tours can sometimes operate in our Toyota Coaster bus.On extended touring legs we provide frequent stops, usually every two hours. Kimberley Spirit Tours offer a complimentary pick up from most accommodations in your departure location. We generally do not pick up from private residences, but we can pick you up from the closest accommodation to your residence. Maximum weight per person is 15kg in a soft / squashable bag (no hard suitcases) plus a small day pack / backpack weighing 2kg per person (to carry your camera, water bottle, etc). 

If you are travelling on an itinerary that departs from and returns to the same location, extra luggage can often be stored at your hotel lobby. Any excess luggage should be sent home or forwarded to your next destination via Australia Post, Greyhound or courier. Excess luggage above the stipulated weight limit won't be accepted by your tour guide and can hold up your tour departure. (Does not apply for accommodated tours). Kimberley Spirit Tours provides tents, swags, bottom sheets, pillows and pillow cases. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or we can purchase one on your behalf from our local camping store.If you are camping, you will need to assist you guide in setting up camp and preparing/clearing meals. See our 'accommodation' page for these details.Please let us know upon booking if you have special meal requirements. You will also need to liaise with the driver during the tour and may be asked for help with your shopping. Vegetarian and other meals are usually modifications of standard meals on tour.

Our vehicles carry an esky for the use of passengers for drinks. There are also limited opportunities to purchase alcohol along the way.Please bring your own drink bottle. We carry water coolers on each tour which you can re-fill your bottles from. In the Kimberley wilderness there are a few roadhouses and small general stores where you can purchase snacks and basic necessities along the way. We do however recommend that you stock up on anything specific that you will require prior to commencing your tour. ATM's are also limited along the way.Selected accommodations, wilderness lodges and camp grounds have powerpoints for you to charge along the way. We recommend that you have your camera fully charged prior to departure. Alternatively, your tour guide carries an inverter (240V/50Hz) for clients’ convenience. We recommend that batteries are charged while the vehicles are running.Due the remote areas that we be travel through, please ensure you have sufficient memory cards or space on memory cards to capture all of your precious memories.

You can download your memory cards to CD/DVD at stores in Kununurra and Broome. Due to harsh conditions that your technical equipment is exposed to, we recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance for valuables. Whilst we take all care in locking the truck whilst on expeditions, we cannot take responsibility for theft or damage. Common concerns for laptops on remote wilderness tours are:– Hard drive failure due the harsh impact from the road– Heavy dust (penetrating motherboard, keyboards, CD drives, etc.)Mobile reception outside of the main townships of the Kimberley is extremely limited. Even in some townships, only certain carriers receive reception. Should a family member need to reach you in case of an emergency, please leave our office number with them. We carry a satellite phone for emergency calls only.There is a reasonable level of activity - hikes over rocky terrain and swimming in waterfalls - so a reasonable level of fitness and agility is required to participate fully in the itinerary.

That being said, some activities can be skipped if you would prefer not to participate. Talk to your guide about the possibility of sitting under a shady tree near the vehicle until the group returns.If you are unsure at time of booking, talk to your guide on the phone and he will explain the various walks on your preferred tour.Your guide will pass around a booking form on the first day of your tour to book optional activities. Please nominate which, if any, you wish to participate in and your guide will phone ahead and book the required number of seats. Payment must be made at time of booking. Most operators accept credit cards, sometimes with a fee.Most tours are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 2 passengers only. Those itineraries that carry a 'Minimum Number' requirement are identified on the information page of the individual tour itinerary. Tour cancellation by Kimberley Spirit Tours due to not meeting minimum numbers is very rare, however, in the event that this does occur an alternative tour or full refund is offered.