Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

1) The Government has recently enacted a number of measures to extend support to craft distillers. From 1 July 2017, the Government extended the brewery refund scheme, to also include domestic spirit producers and distillers. This expanded scheme allows both brewers and distillers to claim a refund of 60 per cent of the excise duty they have paid, up to an annual cap. From 1 July 2019, this cap was increased from $30,000 to $100,000 per financial year.

2) The requirement for rum, whisky and brandy to be matured for two years in wood barrels prior to its sale in Australia is a long standing policy that ensures a minimum standard of quality.

3) This question is best directed to the Minister for Industry, Science and Technololgy.

4) There are currently no plans to amend the two year maturation requirement.

See this speech in context