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

Urquhart supported the bill as a targeted measure to assist approximately 10,000 hospitality venues, 75 per cent of which are small family-run businesses. Urquhart argued the pause in indexation would stabilise prices for draught beer in containers between eight and 48 litres, helping publicans manage costs and retain staff. Urquhart emphasised the social and economic role of pubs in regional communities and stated the policy was fiscally responsible and did not undermine public health objectives.

Violi stated the coalition supported the freeze but described it as a political stunt that failed to address systemic cost-of-living issues. Violi argued that the relief was negligible, amounting to less than one cent per pint, and criticised the government for allowing inflation to rise while increasing excise taxes. Violi attributed high inflation to reckless government spending and called for a thorough examination of the alcohol excise framework and the reintroduction of fiscal rules.

Burnell argued the bill protected the social fabric of communities by supporting pubs as community hubs. Burnell highlighted the economic benefits for the hospitality sector, which employs over 160,000 people, and noted the measure provided certainty for small businesses facing rising costs. Burnell framed the policy as part of a broader cost-of-living agenda that included wage increases and student debt relief, asserting it was a pragmatic response to industry feedback.

Penfold supported the bill but criticised it as a missed opportunity that did little to address the cost-of-living crisis. Penfold argued the measure was worth only $90 million over the forward estimates, a small fraction of annual alcohol tax receipts, and failed to assist microbrewers or those selling packaged beer. Penfold urged a thorough examination of the alcohol excise framework and attributed high inflation to government spending, noting that independent brewers were struggling with profitability.

Ambihaipahar supported the bill, emphasising its role in supporting community institutions and hospitality workers. Ambihaipahar argued the targeted pause in indexation provided breathing room for small brewers and venues, helping them manage cash flow and retain staff. Ambihaipahar stated the policy was fiscally responsible, temporary, and consistent with the government's broader cost-of-living measures, including energy relief and wage increases.

Steggall welcomed the pause but argued the bill unfairly excluded distillers and small brewers who rely on bottled or canned sales. Steggall moved second reading amendments calling for a freeze on all alcohol excise indexation until 1 August 2027, indexing the excise remission cap to inflation, and extending deadlines for excise debt repayment. Steggall highlighted that anticompetitive tap contracts prevented many small breweries from benefiting from draught-specific relief and urged the government to address structural issues in the industry.

Georganas supported the bill, describing it as a relief measure for pubs, clubs, and breweries that serve as community centres. Georganas argued the freeze would help small businesses manage input costs and protect jobs in the hospitality sector, which employs thousands of young people. Georganas highlighted the cultural significance of local pubs and stated the policy provided stability for publicans facing rising costs and inflationary pressures.

Spender supported the temporary relief for pubs and clubs but expressed concern that independent brewers faced limited benefit due to market dominance by large multinationals. Spender supported an amendment to extend excise relief to bottled and canned independent craft beer. Spender also raised concerns about a draft ATO determination on beer classification and called for an inquiry into the illegal tobacco market, citing significant revenue loss and organised crime links.

Smith argued the bill supported social cohesion and small businesses by providing certainty for forward planning in the hospitality sector. Smith highlighted the importance of pubs as community gathering places and noted that the freeze on automatic CPI increases would help retain jobs and support workers with enshrined penalty rates. Smith commended the bill as a targeted cost-of-living measure that benefited both consumers and industry stakeholders.

Hill described the bill as a practical cost-of-living measure that provided breathing space for hospitality venues and brewers facing economic pressures. Hill noted that around 75 per cent of benefiting venues were small family-run businesses and that the pause allowed for better financial planning. Hill linked the measure to broader government efforts to reduce inflation and support workers, including wage increases and energy relief.

Campbell emphasised the role of independent breweries and pubs in the local economy, noting they employed a significant portion of the industry workforce despite holding a small market share. Campbell argued the freeze on indexation for keg beer helped stabilise prices and supported small business resilience against rising costs. Campbell framed the bill as part of a wider package of cost-of-living interventions delivered by the government.

Laxale argued the legislation supported community anchors by helping venues manage costs and retain staff during a period of economic pressure. Laxale highlighted that the pause applied to kegs used in pubs and clubs, benefiting approximately 10,000 venues across Australia. Laxale stated the measure provided certainty for small business owners and helped maintain the social fabric of local communities.

Repacholi stated the bill addressed the difficulty small business owners faced in planning with twice-yearly automatic tax increases. Repacholi explained that the freeze would prevent scheduled hikes until August 2027, providing long-term stability for pubs, clubs, and breweries. Repacholi argued the measure supported jobs and kept prices stable for consumers, reflecting government responsiveness to industry feedback.