Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate concerned the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, which sought to freeze the indexation of excise duties on draught beer. The Assistant Treasurer moved the bill, arguing it provided financial relief to the hospitality sector and supported local communities. The measure was designed to pause automatic tax increases for two years, delivering approximately $100 million in support. No opposition speakers were recorded in the provided transcript, and the debate was adjourned.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Daniel Mulino (Fraser) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Mulino moved that the bill be read a second time, stating it fulfilled a government commitment to freeze draught beer excise indexation for two years. Mulino argued the measure supported pubs, clubs, and breweries by providing around $100 million in relief and ensuring certainty for the hospitality industry. The legislation paused biannual excise increases from 1 August 2025 until 31 July 2027, after which indexation would resume. Mulino described the bill as a targeted measure that complemented broader tax relief for brewers, distillers, and winemakers.

Government response

Daniel Mulino (Assistant Treasurer; Minister for Financial Services) ALP Fraser

Mulino emphasised the social importance of local pubs as community hubs and employment centres. Mulino noted that the bill incorporated a previously proposed excise tariff amendment into the Excise Tariff Act, consistent with parliamentary practice. The Assistant Treasurer highlighted that the freeze applied to draught beer specifically, while other tax remission caps for producers were set to increase from 1 July 2026. Mulino indicated that full details were available in the explanatory memorandum.