Australian Government Freezes Draught Beer Tax for Two Years

The Labor government announces a temporary pause on biannual excise hikes for draught beer, saving drinkers and pubs modest costs but drawing criticism from spirits producers.

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a two-year freeze on the biannual indexation of draught beer excise, set to begin in August if Labor is re-elected.
• The measure is expected to save drinkers about 10 cents per pint and cost the federal budget up to $200 million over two years.
• The freeze is positioned as a relief for pubs, brewers, and beer drinkers during a period of high inflation and declining beer demand.
• Critics, including spirits industry representatives, argue the policy unfairly favors beer over spirits and pubs over other venues.
• The announcement comes as Labor prepares for a federal election, with polls indicating the party may struggle to retain its majority.

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The Sydney Morning Herald Australian Broadcasting Corporation 9News The Independent