The Australian Distillers Association's new Executive Committee is set on combating Australia’s high spirit excise.
There is a long list of goals the ADA will be pursuing but chief among them will be talking to the Federal Government about the excise placed on spirits in this country – the world’s highest regime.
“Today a single standard 30mL nip of spirits attracts a minimum excise of $1. In the USA that figure is closer to 10c…so little wonder your cocktails or mixed drinks are so expensive in Australia,” ADA President, Stuart Gregor said.
“Our smaller brewing and wine-making mates all enjoy the benefits of generous excise and tax rebates – while small distillers are forced to compete with a huge tax monkey on our back,” Gregor said. “We don’t want the monkey no more.”
“Australian distillers are rightfully recognised as some of the best in the world, but because of an overly burdensome excise regime we are being priced out of the Australian market to the benefit of our overseas, mass produced competition.”
The ADA will hold a conference on Wednesday November 12 in Melbourne to discuss its future plans and hear from a range of speakers from government, economics, hospitality and marketing.
“As an industry we are as geographically diverse as the range of products we make. It’ll be great to come together and share our experiences with one another in November,” Gregor said.
The new Executive Committee:
- President – Stuart Gregor, Four Pillars Gin, VIC
- Vice President – Cameron Syme, Great Southern Distilling Co, WA
- Secretary – Troy Trewin, Lark Distillery, TAS
- Treasurer – Spike Dessert, Hoochery Distillery, WA
- Committee member – Jeremy Spencer, The West Winds Gin, WA
- Committee member – Jon Lark, Kangaroo Island Spirits, SA
- Committee member – David Vitale, Starward Whisky, VIC
- Committee member – Wayne Klintworth, Bass and Flinders Distillery, VIC