The growing proportion of people who prefer to drink spirits will continue to miss out on tax relief provided to beer after Labor and the Greens yesterday combined to vote down a crucial amendment in the Senate.
Debate was gagged on an amendment to extend the draught beer excise freeze to tap spirits, and to call for a review of Australia’s antiquated alcohol tax system. The amendment had support from the Opposition and several crossbench Senators, and would have ensured the modest cost of living measure could be enjoyed by all club and pub patrons, not only those who choose to drink beer.
“Extending the draught beer excise freeze to tap spirits is a modest and sensible amendment that has wide support among consumers. The motion also called for a long overdue review of the way alcohol is taxed in Australia”, said Spirits & Cocktails Australia Executive Director Steven Fanner.
“To see the amendment voted down without its supporters even provided the opportunity to debate it in the Senate is disappointing. Mystifyingly, the Greens voted against a review of alcohol tax despite alcohol tax reform being part of its policy platform for many years.”
“There needs to be a review of the way alcohol is taxed. Why should someone enjoying a gin and tonic pay almost triple the tax a beer drinker pays, and as much as eight times the tax a wine drinker pays? The excise system is based on outdated ideas of what Australians drink and should be reconsidered.”
“Spirits are a growing part of the product mix for pubs, clubs and small bars and appeal to a wide variety of consumers.”
“Spirits are taxed more than beer or wine, and the tax increases every six months. Since the recent February increase, around $32 of the price of a standard 700mL bottle of gin or whisky now goes straight to the Government.”
“In selling its draught beer tax freeze, Government MPs spoke at length about cost-of-living relief and the economic and social benefits of supporting the hospitality sector. Unfortunately, this legislation has only done part of the job by limiting the benefit to beer.”
Contact:
Steven Fanner
Executive Director
Spirits & Cocktails Australia
sfanner@spiritsandcocktails.au or 0402 913 603
