Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) | Hansard source

The incorporated speech read as follows

I would like to speak on the importance of Australia's grape and wine sector and the urgent need to support its future. This is an industry that is not only iconic but foundational to our rural and regional communities. It contributes more than $51 billion to the economy and supports over 203,000 jobs, many in areas with limited alternative employment. These figures represent families, livelihoods, small businesses and communities built over generations, where the success of one vineyard often supports an entire local economy.

Australia is home to 65 wine regions, more than 2,000 winemakers and over 5,000 grapegrowers. From the Swan Valley to Margaret River, these regions are central to local identity. In my electorate, wineries such as Paul Conti Wines are not just businesses but community institutions supporting tourism, creating jobs, mentoring local workers, and showcasing Australian produce to the world. The sector underpins a broader ecosystem. Hospitality, tourism, freight and exports all rely on its success. When the sector performs well, it drives regional growth. When it struggles, the impacts ripple across entire communities, and, right now, the industry is under sustained pressure.

In 2024-25, production exceeded sales by 52 million litres, reflecting a deeper structural imbalance. Global consumption has fallen to its lowest level since 1961, and the market is forecast to shrink by a further eight per cent over the next five years—equivalent to a loss of around 1.5 billion litres. Behind these figures are real consequences such as unsold crops, difficult business decisions, tightening margins and growing uncertainty for regional communities. These challenges are not cyclical; they require a coordinated and forward-looking response.

That is why targeted support is essential. The Albanese government has delivered more than $90 million in support for the sector. We extended the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant program, with $30 million over three years to help regional businesses attract visitors and grow local economies. From 1 July 2026, the WET rebate cap will increase to $400,000, providing eligible producers with up to $50,000 in additional support each year to strengthen cashflow and invest in adaptation.

We are also supporting export diversification through Austrade's $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative, ensuring Australian wine continues to reach new and emerging markets. In addition, we have backed the development of a national vineyard register, progressed a mandatory code of conduct for grape purchases to ensure fairer dealings, partnered with the South Australian government on the SA Wine Recovery Program and funded the Grape and Wine Sector Long-term Viability Support Package.

I acknowledge the work of Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated and their $139.25 million proposal to address structural challenges. It is a practical and strategic plan that deserves serious consideration. A wine business viability and transition program will also be critical, ensuring that those who choose to remain in the industry are supported to adapt and those who choose to exit can do so with dignity, certainty and a pathway forward. At the same time, rebuilding demand remains essential, through stronger export markets, diversification and the reinforcing of Australia's global reputation for quality and innovation.

More broadly, the Albanese Labor government has invested over $1 billion in rural support and drought resilience, helping farmers prepare for and respond to changing conditions. We are also strengthening the Rural Financial Counselling Service, ensuring farmers and small businesses facing hardship can access free, independent advice when they need it most.

With the right policy settings, targeted investment and ongoing collaboration between government and industry, we can support the grape and wine sector through transition and position it for a stronger, more sustainable future. This is about backing regional Australia. It is about supporting an industry that has shaped our national identity. And it is about ensuring communities—like those in my electorate—continue to thrive for generations to come.

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