Local Federal Member for Oxley Milton Dick has welcomed news of excise tax reform to end discrimination against brewers of craft beer, a move that follows a long-running Labor campaign for justice for the thriving sector.
Media reports today suggest that Tuesday’s Budget will end the situation whereby excise applied to 50 litre kegs is levied at a lower rate than that applied to smaller kegs, which are widely used by craft brewers.
The reform will also reportedly give small brewers access to the same system of excise refunds available to big breweries.

“If these reports are true, it’s a big win for local brewers like Lee at White Lies in Sumner Park” said Mr Dick.

“My Labor colleagues and I have been calling for the Turnbull Government to better support craft brewers, so it’s great to see the Treasurer shouting this round of drinks”.
The common sense change is a victory for people power.
It follows a strong campaign by Labor and the craft brewing industry which included a petition signed by more than 1400 people and a motion in the House of Representatives that received bipartisan support.
Craft brewing is a growth sector.
That means jobs and economic activity in local communities like right here in Oxley.
Craft brewers deserve to operate on a level playing field with the big multinational beer brands. And beer drinkers should pay the same regardless of what brand of beer they enjoy.
I congratulate the craft beer industry for its victory and look forward to this change clearing the way for even more new jobs and economic activity.