Greens Treasury spokesperson and Senator for Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson, says that Barnaby Joyce and Scott Morrison need to take responsibility for the backpacker tax mess and come to Tasmania immediately to see first-hand the impact this tax will have on the Tasmanian economy.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, "This Government has made it clear its priority for this 45th parliament is so called 'deficit repair,' not the needs of small Tasmanian agricultural businesses.

Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, says the Australia Greens will oppose the Treasury Laws Amendment (Income Tax Relief) Bill being debated in the Federation Chamber of the House of Representatives today.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, “Today in the Federation Chamber, you will see the Labor, Liberal and National Parties voting to pass a Bill that will cut taxes for the top 20% of income earners, whilst in the Senate they will be voting to pass the Omnibus Bill that will slash clean energy funding.

The Australian Greens have announced a plan to ease the pressure on small business by expanding tax breaks and strengthening the role of the national Small Business Commissioner.

These new initiatives follow yesterday's announcement that the Greens would lower the company tax rate from 30% to 28% for companies with turnovers of less than $2 million dollars.