Richard Dowling (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Recently I had the pleasure, along with the member for Hunter, Mr Repacholi, of visiting one of Tasmania's great success stories, the Sullivans Cove whisky distillery. At the time of that visit, the member and I sampled a remarkable drop and made the somewhat cheeky observation, 'We might be tasting the world's best whisky here.' It turns out our sophisticated palates were right, because only a few weeks later Sullivans Cove was awarded the world's best single cask single malt at the World Whiskies Awards. I should confess that earlier in my life I spent time living in Scotland, a place that proudly regards itself as the home of the finest whiskies. While I was there, I thought I was enjoying the best whiskies on the planet. But it turns out I didn't need to travel all the way to the other side of the world to taste the best whisky in the world; it was waiting back home in Tasmania the whole time.

Sullivans Cove demonstrates, and many other distillers across our state prove, that Tasmania has quietly become one of the world's great whisky regions, with 82 distilleries supporting over 450 full-time jobs across regional Tasmania, contributing over $300 million to our economy. This is a whisky industry that is putting Tasmania on the world map. From Hobart to the Huon, from the Midlands to the north-west, Tasmania's whisky industry is built on craftsmanship, patience and an extraordinary natural environment and pristine waters. It supports regional jobs, attracts international investors and adds enormous value to our premium food and beverage experience. Congratulations to Sullivans Cove and the whole industry, which is helping put our island state firmly on the world whisky map.

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My diary is open for invitation!