New rules when employing backpackers

New rules when employing backpackers

6-July-2017

Growers should be aware of new rules if employing backpackers, according to Madec’s Harvest Labour manager Scott Cameron.

Scott said growers and contractors now need to be aware of being registered with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) if they directly employ backpackers.

Most backpackers are undertaking seasonal farm work to secure a second-year visa.

The government has changed some of the requirements and backpackers will now need to gross an average of $134.52 a day for the minimum required 88 days of work.

This means they need to average about $700 gross a week, however they can work for different employers during this 13-week period.

“To get a second-year visa, they will need to provide pay slips which meet Australian standards,” Scott said.

Scott said one of the most important documents an employer of working holiday harvest labour must have is a signed piecework agreement (a 1263 form). These are available at

www.border.gov.au

Federal Government statistics show the majority of backpackers undertaking seasonal work are French (35%), 18% from Germany and Taiwan and Italy both at 15%.

People from Korea, the United Kingdom and Japan make up the remainder. Scott said there was also a good uptake from the Seasonal Worker Program.

For more information, call Scott on (08) 8586 1900.