Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the growth of the craft brewing sector in recent years as a generator of employment, tourism and exports in capital cities and regional communities;

(b) further notes that:

  (i) there is an inequity between how Commonwealth excise is calculated for small and large scale brewers which disadvantages the craft brewing sector,

  (ii) excise currently accounts for a disproportionate amount of the costs of production for small brewers and the calculation of excise imposes a significant burden on them, and

  (iii) this small business sector provides local employment and is an emerging tourism attraction; and

(c) urges:

  (i) the Australian Government to ensure policy settings which encourage the realisation of the potential of the craft brewing sector, and

  (ii) state and local governments to update their planning controls and development approval to facilitate the growth of the craft brewing sector.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government notes the important role the craft brewing sector plays in our communities. Not only do Australians and tourists enjoy their products, but many craft breweries are also small businesses employing Australians. Many would enjoy the benefits which would flow to them from the government's enterprise tax plan. When it comes to the taxation arrangements of the craft brewing sector, there has been a breweries excise refund scheme in place since 1 July 2000. The brewery excise refund is now $30,000 with no minimum production volume. Breweries are eligible for the refund only if they are legally and economically independent from other entities that operate breweries. Any changes to taxation arrangements are always considered as part of the usual budget process.

Question agreed to.