British waitress wins legal battle against Australia's backpacker tax

A British woman has won a long legal battle against Australia's backpacker tax after judge rules she paid ‘more burdensome’ rate due to her nationality over two years. The ruling may have implications for other travellers. Catherine Addy argued she was unfairly taxed on pay she earned while working as a waitress in Sydney in 2017. The tax, imposed that year, had discriminated against her on the basis of her nationality, she said. Other backpackers affected by the same rule have been waiting on the decision by Australia's highest court. They may now be able to ask Australian authorities to review their tax assessments. The Federal Court judge accused tax office of discriminating against working tourists. 
The ruling relates to a working holiday visa - known as the 417 - offered to foreigners aged between 18 and 31. They are subject to a 15% tax on income up to A$37,000 which is paid from the first dollar they earn.This is a higher rate than for Australians, who get a tax-free threshold of A$18,200.Ms Addy's lawyers argued the rules were at odds with an international "double tax" agreement Australia has with Britain and several other nations. Citizens of those countries should be taxed like Australians, they said.