Turnbull 'alert' to backpacker tax claims

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull insists the government is "very alert" to the impact of the controversial backpacker tax.

It's feared the tax will discourage fruit pickers and harm tourism when it comes into effect from July 1, slugging seasonal fruit and vegetable pickers 32.5 cents from the first dollar they earn.

Asked about the future of the tax by a voter in Darwin on Monday, Mr Turnbull insisted the government was looking at it, saying: "watch this space".