Senate debates

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Committees

Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference

3:45 pm

Photo of Anne RustonAnne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators Xenophon, McKenzie, Whish-Wilson and Madigan move:

That the following matters be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 11 November 2015:

(a) the extent and nature of any market failure in the Australian grape and wine industry supply chain;

(b) the extent to which federal and state legislative and regulatory regimes inhibit and support the production, processing, supply chain logistics and marketing of Australian wine;

(c) the profitability of wine grape growers, and the steps industry participants have taken to enhance profitability;

(d) the impact and application of the wine equalisation tax rebate on grape and wine industry supply chains;

(e) the extent to which grape and wine industry representation at regional, state and national level effectively represents growers and winemakers with respect to equity in the collection and distribution of levies;

(f) the work being undertaken by the Australian Grape and Wine Authority pertaining to levy collection information;

(g) the power and influence of retailers of Australian wine in domestic and export markets;

(h) the adequacy and effectiveness of market intelligence and pricing signals in assisting industry and business planning;

(i) the extent to which the Australian grape and wine industry benefits regional communities both directly and indirectly through employment, tourism and other means; and

(j) any related matters.

Question agreed to.