Ozzie beer tax rise: “largest in more than 30 years”

The Australian Tax Office has raised the excise tax on beer by 4%, the largest increase in over 30 years according to the Brewers Association of Australia.

 

Australia’s tax on beer is going up yet again observed the Brewers Association of Australia’s Chief Executive John Preston.

“Australians are taxed on beer more than almost any other nation,” he stated, “We’ve seen almost 20 increases in Australia’s beer tax over the past decade alone.

“Brewers and pub and club operators were extremely disappointed the former Government did not deliver on a proposed reduction in beer tax at this year’s March Budget.

“Sadly, we’re now seeing the impact as pub patrons will soon be faced with the prospect of regularly paying around $15 (€10.27) for a pint at their local.

“For a small pub, club or other venue the latest tax hike will mean an increase of more than $2,700 (€1,848) a year in their tax bill at a time when they’re still struggling to deal with the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.

“This is a problem that the new Treasurer has inherited from his predecessors and there are many competing demands on the Budget. Nonetheless, we believe there’s a strong case for beer tax relief to be provided by the new Federal Government – with the hidden beer tax to go up again in February 2023,” he concluded.