Lisa Singh

I welcome today’s news of excise tax reform to end discrimination against brewers of craft beer – a move long overdue that comes after a long-running Labor campaign for justice for a sector that is thriving in Tasmania.

Media reports today suggest that Tuesday’s Budget will stop the excise on 50 litre kegs being levied at a lower rate than on the smaller kegs used by craft brewers.

The reform will also reportedly give small brewers access to the same system of excise refunds available to big breweries.

This common sense change is a victory for people power.

It follows a strong campaign by Labor and the craft brewing industry which included a petition signed by more than 1400 people and a bi-partisan motion in the federal parliament.

Craft brewing is a growth sector, particularly in Tasmania which is already well on the way to becoming Australia’s leading craft beer producer.

I’ve met some incredible Tasmanians who are passionate about micro-brewing. It is these small businesses that we should be supporting.

Tasmania has an incredible selection of incredible local boutique beers. It’s such an integral part of our Island that we even have a Beer Trail that tourists can experience.

Tasmanians have put their passion and love of craft beer into these products and they deserve to operate on a level playing field with the big multinational beer brands. And beer drinkers should pay the same regardless of what brand of beer they enjoy.

I congratulate the craft beer industry for its victory and look forward to this change clearing the way for even more new jobs and economic activity, particularly in my home town of Hobart, home to some of the nation's best breweries.

FRIDAY, 4 MAY, 2018
MEDIA CONTACTS:  TAIMUS WERNER-GIBBINGS 0429 820 344

Authorised by Noah Carroll ALP Canberra