Daniel Mulino (Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I would like to thank those members who have contributed to this debate. Together, the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 will pause biannual indexation applying to excise and excise-equivalent customs duty rates on draught beer for two years, starting from 1 August 2025. These changes deliver on the government's commitment to taking pressure off the price of beer poured in pubs, clubs and other venues, supporting businesses, regional tourism and customers across Australia.

I want to acknowledge the amendments from the members for Warringah, New England, Cowper, Kooyong and Bradfield. While these amendments are well intentioned, they would significantly broaden the measure beyond its intended scope. They're uncosted and would create substantial fiscal impacts. As Assistant Treasurer, I know too well the importance of responsible government spending.

When we came to government, inflation had a six in front of it. Today it has a three in front of it. That is not an accident; it is a result of the disciplined economic management of the government. We've delivered two surpluses, spending restraint and savings that our predecessors could not deliver. Our cost-of-living measures have been responsible and targeted, just like this one.

What we're proposing here is a round of beers for our pubs and clubs on the government. It's a gesture of goodwill to acknowledge the hard work of our hospitality industry—but it's a measure within our means. Some members are asking us to reach instead to the top shelf for that round, and some are going further and asking us to put our card behind the bar indefinitely. We all love a celebration, but we're a responsible government, focused on the cost of living in a targeted and responsible way. The bill as drafted strikes the right balance between supporting our pubs and clubs and maintaining budget sustainability.

The members may, however, be interested to know that the government has announced separate support for all beer brewers and spirits manufacturers in the 2025-26 budget, and I trust they will bring this to their constituents' attention. From 1 July 2026, the excise remission scheme cap will increase from $350,000 to $400,000 per year. These changes provide the greatest benefit to small craft brewers and distillers. Lastly, in response to the member for Cowper's proposal to review the alcohol excise and customs tariff system, the government continues to closely monitor and assess the effectiveness of the tax system.

For these reasons, we will not be supporting the amendments. This bill delivers targeted, responsible relief while complementing broader support for the economy. I commend these bills to the House.

See this speech in context