Queensland MP George Christensen threatens to leave Coalition over backpacker tax

Queensland MP George Christensen has reportedly threatened to leave the Coalition over the government’s controversial backpacker tax.

According to The Courier Mail, the backbencher told his electorate of Dawson he would quit the LNP and become an independent if the government didn’t back down over the plan.

Mr Christensen said the proposal to scrap the $18,200 tax-free threshold for working holiday visa holders would reduce the number of fruit-pickers and farmhands available for Queensland farmers.

The MP said he stands by his pre-election promise to leave the Coalition on the issue, despite the government’s narrow majority of one seat in the lower house.

"I’m not trying to destabilise but I was that confident such a change will occur that I gave that commitment to locals when I was asked about it before the election," he said.

"I believe the government is going to axe the backpacker tax and put in place arrange that farmers can accept."

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton called Mr Christensen a "team player", The Australian reports.

"Our team is working well. I think we had a great week in parliament last week," Mr Dutton said.

Labor Senator Penny Wong said the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s hand is being forced by the far right of the Liberal Party.

"[Mr Christensen] has determined superannuation policy and is out there threatening to cross the floor again on the backpacker tax," Ms Wong said on Sunday.