Consultation
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Reform living-away-from-home benefits
Name
Mr Paul Wilkin
Organisation
Email
paulrwilkin@gmail.com
Are you submitting on behalf of your Company
No
Do you want your submission to be confidential
No
Accessibility Statement
Yes
Submission files
Support files
Submission text
Hi, 

As a temporary resident on a 457 Visa from the UK I believe the changes to the LAFHA legislation unfairly discriminate against UK workers here on a temporary Visa. 

I was offered a role in Australia in November 2011. I decided to uproot my family and come to Brisbane. In doing so I considered many things, in particular take home pay which I calculated before making the decision. 

Imagine my surprise therefore to realise recently that I would be losing such a large chunk of my salary. If I had known this I would not have decided to come but as I had made the jump there was little I could do. 

You should not offer overseas workers a 4 year visa then change the taxation rules 6 months onwards. Do you not realise the effect this will have on me and people like me. I am now a lot worse off than I would have been staying in the UK. 

I also believe the double taxation treaty between the UK and Australia, means this change could be a breach of that act. It clearly states a UK worker can not be taxed more than a resident. As no UK workers on 457 visas are likely to have existing homes in Australia they are living away from, and also as there are transitional arrangements for permanent residents, how can this be seen as anything apart from a desperate cash grab from temporary residents who have no vote. 

I understand I have right of appeal under the convention between the UK and Australia and would like to take up this opportunity if I can be advised of the process. 

Paul Wilkin 
0400 693855