David Batt (Hinkler, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak to this amendment. The National Party is backing the amendment presented by the member for Cowper. It's about a fair go for spirit drinkers. It's about a proper, albeit well overdue, review into Australia's ancient alcohol tax system. As I have proudly stated and metaphorically raised a glass to in this place before, my electorate of Hinkler is famous across not only Australia but, indeed, the world for producing some of the finest tipples you'll ever try—the iconic Bundy rum, Kalki Moon distillery, the Spirit Collective and Campfire Distillery in Hervey Bay, the legendary Bundaberg ginger beer, and, of course, the many craft breweries, including 384 North Brewing in Bundaberg and Cauldron Brewing in Hervey Bay.

The makers, distributors, the pubs on the corners of the main streets in our country towns, the sports clubs that bring families together for each of these—changes to our alcohol taxation system couldn't come fast enough. It's a mess. That's why the Nationals are putting forward amendments to legislate a review of the alcohol tax excise system to be finalised by Treasury before 2 November and extend the indexation pause on draught beer to include on-tap spirits. These amendments strengthen what is already being served up. It puts the bubbles in the beer and delivers a better deal for the makers, the supply chain and, ultimately, those who enjoy a cold one at the pub, the bowls club or while watching the local footy on a Saturday afternoon.

Industry has briefed us and made it clear that tap spirits are a growing part of the product mix for pubs, clubs and small bars and appeal to a wider variety of customers. Extending the freeze to tap spirits served in hospitality venues will strengthen the flow-on benefits and provide cost-of-living relief beyond customers who choose to drink beer. The alcohol excise framework is more than 100 years old. The 2010 Henry review was the last comprehensive look at the excise system, recommended a single volumetric tax system based on alcohol content and criticised the patchwork system of rates. Freezing the tax only for draught beer is arbitrary and unfair. It provides welcome support for pubs, beer producers and beer drinkers but ignores distillers and people who prefer spirits over beer, including many women and young adults.

These amendments back up what I called for last year, soon after meeting with the chair of Diageo, Sir John Manzoni, and his Australasian team while they visited here in Canberra. Diageo is a global leader in premium drinks, and they look after the Bundaberg Rum brand and many others. In my home state of Queensland, the Queensland Hotels Association has thanked us for backing the freeze on draught beer excise. Yes, it's a win for local pubs, hardworking hospitality workers and every Aussie who enjoys a cold one without needing a small loan, but these amendments will go further. Hardworking Aussies deserve to be able to afford a cold beer or a glass of their favourite spirit mix. In a cost-of-living crisis, net zero is adding to power bills and sending Australian jobs overseas. Let's reduce the cost associated with keeping your beer cold. Let's cut the energy expense so that the makers of your favourite drop don't have to pass it on. Pubs and clubs are the meeting places for our regional communities. Let's make them more affordable.

The Nationals are pushing for the comprehensive Treasury review of the alcohol tax system and an extension to indexation relief on tap spirits. The Nationals support tax relief on beer but want to see the whole alcohol tax system improved. In regional Australia, in the cities and towns I represent in Hinkler, pubs and clubs aren't a luxury. They are the social and economic lifeblood of our communities. They sponsor local sport, host fundraisers and keep towns connected. That's the real Aussie spirit. My electorate of Hinkler's array of award-winning makers, brewers and distillers serve up more than amber ales. When it comes to a top-shelf drop, Hinkler leads the pack. I ask the government to agree to these amendments, back a fair go for spirit drinkers and take this opportunity for a broader review of Australia's alcohol tax system. Do it now while we can, because it's well overdue. Will the government consider long-term relief—relief that makes a real difference—for the hospitality sector and deliver consistent and evidence based measures that matter?

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