MARCH 17, 2016: The concerns of those in the horticultural industry have been heard, and the plan to introduce a 15% flat rate of tax for backpackers will now face a full review.Tourism Minister Richard Colbeck has announced a cross-department review so that we can take a long hard look at the issues surrounding the so-called ‘backpacker tax’ to make sure that we do not disadvantage growers who have been relying on backpackers to harvest their crops.I have had numerous phone calls and meetings with those in the horticultural industry, and I agreed to support the Bowen Gumlu growers in their push for a 15% flat rate of tax, rather than the proposed 32.5c tax for every dollar earned for those on working holiday visas.The last thing we want to do is disadvantage our food producers.However I have also said I would love to see more of our young unemployed Aussies filling the gap in these labour-intensive jobs.The tax measure, which was to take effect from July I, was forecast to raise $540 million over four years.Senator Colbeck announced that the review of the tax would be conducted across a number of portfolios such as Agriculture, Employment, Immigration, Regional Development, Industry, Treasury and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and would then report back to the Treasurer.