The Brewers Association, Australian Hotels Association and Clubs Australia have all welcomed the Prime Minister’s move to fulfil his election promise of freezing the excise increases on draught beer, after he tabled his Excise and Customs Tariff Proposals in the House of Representatives.
The two-year freeze will come into effect from August 1, meaning the scheduled excise increase on beer for Wednesday, 4 August will now not happen. The excise increase will go ahead on spirits and RTDs, with those industry associations calling for parity from the Government.
The Prime Minister said: “Continuing to deliver cost of living relief to Australians is our number one priority.”
He added: “Freezing the excise on draught beer is a common sense measure that is good for beer drinkers, good for brewers and good for pubs.”
The new CEO of the Brewers Association of Australia, Amanda Watson, told The Shout: “The Brewers Association of Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s moves in Parliament today to deliver on their commitment of a two-year freeze on draught beer excise indexation – our beer excise is the third highest in the world.
“This excise freeze is great news for Australia’s pubs, clubs and beer drinkers and is a positive signal from Government in terms of getting on with the job of delivering on pre-election commitments.
“We certainly thank the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer for backing this in today. Brewers will continue to work with the Government to ensure future excise reform is looked at seriously to support a sustainable Australian brewing sector.”
Anthony Albanese is the first Prime Minister in 40 years to take action on beer tax, and Australian Hotels Association National president David Canny thanked the PM.
“The Prime Minister has listened and acted – and it’s great to see,” Canny said.
“We want to make sure a beer poured at the bar doesn’t become a luxury item and this is a step towards that.”
He added: “It’s a win for common-sense in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
“There’s no better place to have a beer than down at the local – they are a place for community and connection – and anything that’s makes it a little bit more affordable is worthwhile.
“We also employ more than 300,000 people across the nation and a tax freeze helps support these jobs.”
The move was also welcomed by Clubs Australia, with Executive Director Rebecca Riant saying the announcement delivers on a key election commitment and provides meaningful relief for clubs and their members.
“Beer excise has gone up 83 times since 1983, making it one of the most relentless tax increases in the country. This freeze is a long-overdue break for community clubs and the people they serve,” Riant said.
“The freeze will encourage people to keep heading to their local club to socialise with friends and family, where alcohol is served responsibly in a safe and social environment.
“We applaud the Government for progressing its commitment to freeze the excise on draught beer.
“This is an outstanding win for the hospitality industry and the millions of Australians who enjoy a beer at their local club.”