08 December 2016 Australia's 'putting local workers first' debate: Not the last Negotiations on foreign worker issues in the closing session of Australia's Parliament for 2016 demonstrate the significant influence of the minor parties and cross bench Senators. The "backpacker tax" debate resulted in the government compromising on a 15% tax rate, and introduction of the new rate may also require employers of affected employees to take additional steps to withhold at this rate by mandating an additional registration. Debate on the subclass 457 visa program has also been reignited by the Federal Opposition Labor Party Leader who has tabled the Migration Amendment (Putting Local Workers First) Bill 2016, while the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection has announced that the list of occupations for subclass 457 visas is under review and may be reduced. A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, attached below, provides additional details. Document ID: 2016-2089 |
