Treasury Laws Amendment (Working Holiday Maker Reform) Bill 2016

The majority voted in favour of a motion to suspend the parliamentary rules so that the House can decide whether or not to pass the bill right away (rather than having to wait).

In parliamentary jargon, they voted to suspend standing orders so that they could vote on a motion to give the bill a third reading immediately.

What is this bill all about?

The bill is part of a package of four bills. It makes changes like:

• lowering the visa application charge from $440 to $390;
• making employers register visa holders who work for them with the Commissioner of Taxation, which lets them to withhold tax at applicable income tax rates;
• letting the Commissioner disclose certain information to the Fair Work Ombudsman;
• requiring the Commissioner to make an annual report on working holiday makers to give the Treasurer.

Together, the bills change the tax arrangement for working holiday visa holders. If passed, they will mean that visa holders will be taxed from the first dollar earned, rather than having the usual tax free threshold.

Motion text

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the motion for the third reading being moved without delay.