Bill Debate · Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 27 November 2025
Continued from Tuesday 25 November 2025.
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
The debate concerned the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, which pauses the automatic indexation of draught beer excise for two years. Labor members argued the measure supports small hospitality businesses, stabilises costs for consumers, and protects jobs in the sector. Speakers highlighted the social importance of pubs and clubs as community hubs. The bill received unanimous support from the speakers present, with no opposition recorded in the transcript.
The bill was supported by all speakers in the debate.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Continued the debate
Burns supported the bill as a measure to assist small businesses in the hospitality sector. Burns argued that rising excise costs pressured venues and reduced disposable income for lower- and middle-income earners. Burns stated the legislation would benefit approximately 10,000 venues, with 75 per cent being small businesses. Burns emphasised that freezing the excise would provide certainty and help sustain the workforce in the industry.
Jordan-Baird argued the bill delivered cost-of-living relief by freezing draught beer excise indexation from August 2025 to August 2027. Jordan-Baird noted that 84 tax increases had occurred in the previous 40 years and that the pause would prevent scheduled rises. Jordan-Baird highlighted that 10,000 venues would benefit, supporting 160,000 jobs and contributing $17 billion to the economy. Jordan-Baird also mentioned broader government measures including energy bill relief and student debt reductions.
Coker described the bill as a targeted measure pausing indexation for kegs between eight and 48 litres. Coker argued this supported small, family-run businesses and helped brewers manage cashflow. Coker stated the measure was fiscally responsible and temporary, with indexation resuming after two years. Coker linked the policy to broader support for small business, including instant asset write-offs and energy bill assistance.
Cook supported the bill as a way to stabilise costs for regional pubs and clubs. Cook argued the pause on indexation would help venues retain staff and reinvest in their operations. Cook noted the measure applied specifically to hospitality operators and not bottle shops. Cook connected the bill to wider cost-of-living initiatives, including wage increases and superannuation changes.
Ryan argued the bill supported community hubs in her electorate, such as the Racecourse Hotel and Italian Sports Club. Ryan stated the pause on CPI indexation would prevent scheduled rises and create a permanently lower excise trajectory. Ryan highlighted that the measure protected jobs for young workers and supported local sporting clubs. Ryan commended the bill as part of the government's broader cost-of-living strategy.