Bill Debate · Consideration in Detail

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail

House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 February 2026

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

At a glance

The debate focused on amendments to the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, which implements a two-year freeze on draught beer excise indexation. Independent members argued the bill disproportionately benefits large multinational brewers and moved amendments to extend relief to independent craft brewers, make the freeze permanent, or abolish the tax entirely. The National Party moved an amendment to extend the freeze to on-tap spirits, arguing for fairness across alcohol types. The government rejected all amendments, maintaining that the bill as drafted balanced cost-of-living relief with budget sustainability. All amendments were defeated.

Outcome

All amendments were defeated, with divisions resulting in votes of 12-65 and 23-81 against the changes.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Nicolette Boele (Bradfield) (Independent) Ind

Boele supported the bill's principle but argued the policy was flawed because it excluded independent craft brewers. Boele moved an amendment to extend the two-year excise pause to craft beer, defined as beer brewed by members of the Independent Brewers Association or similar organisations. Boele cited evidence from local business owners indicating that the current measure primarily benefits multinational companies that dominate the draught market. Boele argued that taxpayer money used to pause excise should prioritise local businesses that reinvest profits in Australian communities.

Government response

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

Mulino acknowledged the intentions behind the amendments but stated the government would not support them. Mulino argued that the bill as drafted struck the appropriate balance between supporting pubs and clubs and maintaining budget sustainability. Mulino did not provide further detail on the specific merits of the proposed changes.

Opposition response

Pat Conaghan (Shadow Assistant Treasurer; Shadow Minister for Financial Services) Nationals Cowper

Conaghan moved an amendment to extend the indexation pause to on-tap spirits from August 2026. Conaghan argued that excluding spirits created unfairness, as spirits on tap are served in the same venues and often consumed by different demographics, including women and young people. Conaghan stated that the government's approach distorted incentives for venues and arbitrarily favoured beer drinkers over spirit drinkers during a cost-of-living crisis.

Helen Haines (Indi) (Independent) Ind mixed

Haines supported the bill overall but criticised the exclusion of independent breweries, noting that most craft beer is sold packaged rather than on tap. Haines highlighted the economic contribution of local breweries in regional Victoria, which support jobs and tourism. Haines argued that the $95 million tax break disproportionately benefited international conglomerates controlling 90 per cent of the draught market.
Monique Ryan (Kooyong) (Independent) Ind mixed

Ryan moved an amendment to make the freeze on draught beer excise indexation indefinite rather than temporary. Ryan argued that automatic indexation had driven beer prices up by over 30 per cent in three years, outpacing inflation. Ryan called for broader tax reform, including abolishing the wine equalisation tax and implementing a volumetric tax based on alcohol content.
Andrew Gee (Calare) (Independent) Ind oppose

Gee moved an amendment to completely remove the excise tax on draught beer. Gee argued that a two-year freeze merely locked in high prices and that the tax should be axed to support the hospitality sector. Gee cited concerns from local pub owners and club executives that ongoing excise increases made simple pleasures unaffordable for consumers.
David Batt (Hinkler) (Liberal National Party) LNP mixed

Batt supported the National Party's amendment to extend the excise freeze to on-tap spirits. Batt argued that the current alcohol tax system was outdated and arbitrary, ignoring distillers and spirit drinkers. Batt called for a comprehensive Treasury review of the alcohol tax system to ensure fairness and support regional hospitality venues.

Votes during this debate

Division 2: Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail Not passed 12–65 Division 3: Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail Not passed 23–81

Opened by

Nicolette Boele (Bradfield) (Independent)

Ind

Bill

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025

Speeches

7 speeches, 4 other contributors

Topics

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About House of Representatives debates

The House of Representatives debates bills, motions and matters of public importance in its main chamber. Members from all parties can take part, and the responsible minister usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.