The so-called backpacker tax would provide scope to ramp-up a program for Pacific workers to fill agricultural labour shortages, a leading academic says.
The federal government has delayed the tax measure until January 1, 2017 pending a ministerial review amid concerns about a shortage of seasonal workers.
"They are much more productive than backpackers because they are used to hard work ... they're a much more reliable workforce," Australian National University development expert Stephen Howes told AAP on Friday.
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