Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid says a two-year Federal Government freeze on draught beer excise will be a boon for Central Coast businesses and the hospitality industry in general.
Indexation is applied twice a year under arrangements in place for decades.
While the February indexation accounted for a small percentage of the cost of a pint, this change will help pubs and their patrons, Reid said.
Indexation on draught beer will be frozen for two years from the next indexation date of August 2025 under a Labor Government.
The move is aimed at taking pressure off the price of a beer poured in pubs, clubs and other venues, supporting businesses, regional tourism and customers across Australia.
The Government will consult with the sector on the implementation of the measure.
The announcement comes on top of new tax relief announced recently for Australia’s distillers, brewers and wine producers.
Currently brewers and distillers get a full remission of any excise paid up to $350,000 each year.
A Liberal Government will increase the excise remission cap to $400,000 for all eligible alcohol manufacturers and will also increase the Wine Equalisation Tax producer rebate cap to $400,000 from July 1, 2026.
“I welcome the news that the Federal Labor Government will freeze the draught beer excise,” Reid said.
“As a government, we want to support our regional distilleries, brewers, and alcohol manufacturers.”
Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers said the change was “modest”, but would help take a little bit of the pressure off beer drinkers, brewers and bars.
