General Debate

Wine Industry

House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026

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

At a glance

Members debated a motion recognising the economic significance of the wine sector and calling for government support to address structural oversupply and declining global demand. The mover argued that the industry was in crisis due to production exceeding sales by 52 million litres and falling global consumption, urging support for a proposed transition program. Government members highlighted existing investments, including grant extensions and tax rebate increases, while opposition members criticised budget cuts to cellar door grants. Independent members emphasised regional impacts and infrastructure issues affecting tourism.

Outcome

The motion was put to a division.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo) (Centre Alliance) Centre Alliance

Sharkie moved the motion, arguing that the wine industry was in structural distress with production exceeding sales by 52 million litres in 2024-25. Sharkie noted that global wine consumption had fallen to its lowest level since 1961 and was forecast to shrink by eight per cent over five years. Sharkie called on the government to support a $139.25 million proposal from Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated to rationalise supply and assist growers transitioning out of the sector. Sharkie criticised the government for phasing out the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program and failing to reinvest in the sector.

Opposition response

Ben Small (Forrest) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Small argued that the government had failed to support the industry by cutting the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program in the budget. Small cited the collapse of Tate Wine and vineyard removals at De Bortoli Wines and Tahbilk as evidence of severe structural issues. Small highlighted that production outran sales by 52 million litres and global consumption was at a historic low. Small urged the government to adopt the industry's $139 million plan, which included funding for transition, export markets, tourism, and mental health support.

Tracey Roberts (Pearce) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Roberts supported the motion, acknowledging the industry's contribution of $51.3 billion to the economy and 203,390 jobs. Roberts outlined government support measures, including a $30 million extension of the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant program and an increase in the wine equalisation tax rebate cap to $400,000 from 1 July 2026. Roberts also mentioned Austrade's $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative and the development of a national vineyard register.
Andrew Gee (Calare) (Independent) Ind support

Gee supported the motion, highlighting the importance of wine to the Central West of New South Wales, where it contributed $209 million to gross production in 2024-25. Gee noted that production exceeded sales by 52 million litres and that global consumption was dropping. Gee raised concerns about the closure of the Great Western Highway, which had drastically reduced tourism numbers to cellar doors in his region.
Claire Clutterham (Sturt) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Clutterham supported the motion, citing the $30 million Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant program, with round 8 anticipated to open in August 2026. Clutterham highlighted the SA Wine Recovery Program, which received $3.1 million in federal funding and was extended to 2027, supporting vineyard resting and waste management. Clutterham noted that South Australia produces 80 per cent of Australia's premium wine and exported 397 million litres worth $1.8 billion in 2024-25.
Meryl Swanson (Paterson) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Swanson supported the motion, stating the government had delivered over $90 million in targeted support for the sector. Swanson reiterated the extension of the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant program and the increase in the wine equalisation tax rebate cap to $400,000 from 1 July 2026. Swanson also mentioned support for export diversification through Austrade's Accessing New Markets initiative and the recovery of trade with China.

Opened by

Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo) (Centre Alliance)

Centre Alliance

Speeches

6 speeches, 4 other contributors

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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.