By James Atkinson
The Australian Distillers Association (ADA), the peak industry body for Australia’s craft distillers, has announced its new Executive Committee.
The Committee was elected at the ADA’s recent Annual General Meeting and consists of:
- President – Stuart Gregor, Four Pillars Gin, VIC
- Vice President – Cameron Syme, Great Southern Distilling Co, WA
- Secretary – Troy Trewin, Lark Distillery, TAS
- Treasurer – Spike Dessert, Hoochery Distillery, WA
- Committee member – Jeremy Spencer, The West Winds Gin, WA
- Committee member – Jon Lark, Kangaroo Island Spirits, SA
- Committee member – David Vitale, Starward Whisky, VIC
- Committee member – Wayne Klintworth, Bass and Flinders Distillery, VIC
ADA President, Stuart Gregor, paid tribute to outgoing president and Tasmanian whisky pioneer, Bill Lark.
“We owe him a very serious drink and an eternity of thanks," he said.
Gregor said the ADA's number one priority is lobbying the government for spirits excise reform.
"Today a single standard 30ml nip of spirits attracts a minimum excise of $1. In the USA that figure is closer to 10c… so little wonder your cocktails or mixed drinks are so expensive in Australia," Gregor said.
"Australian distillers are rightfully recognised as some of the best in the world, but because of an overly burdensome excise regime we are being priced out of the Australian market to the benefit of our overseas, mass produced competition."
The ADA will hold a conference on Wednesday November 12 in Melbourne to discuss its future plans and hear from a range of speakers from government, economics, hospitality and marketing.