Christine Milne, Australian Greens Deputy Leader
Contact: Tim Hollo on 0437 587 562
Monday 19 September 2011 –
The Australian Greens will move in the Senate tomorrow calling on the government to reform the definition of a microbrewery for tax purposes, helping more innovative small businesses become medium-sized businesses and increasing tax revenues.
Microbreweries can only access the excise refund that other small local producers get if they brew less than 30,000 litres a year. This limit, and the $10,000 cap on the total refund, is stifling the growth of the industry, allowing further market domination by imported beers.
“Microbreweries have a special place in Australia’s food culture, and they create excellent local jobs in rural and regional areas,” Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.
“Like small wineries, microbreweries are also becoming tourist attraction, spurring further development and job creation across the regions.
“But, while small wineries can claim back all the excise they pay under the Wine Equalisation Tax, only breweries of a very small size that is out of step with industry reality can claim an excise rebate.
“A study in 2008 by Street Ryan Associates showed that, if the government lifted the threshold for microbreweries, tax receipts would actually increase thanks to the growth of businesses.
“The Greens want the government to consider this easy step that will not only help small businesses become medium-sized businesses but also help all Australians, when we drink responsibly, to drink great quality Australian beer.”
The motion reads:
That the Senate notes that:
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Microbreweries are important niche businesses in Australia, providing valuable jobopportunities and economic growth particularly in rural and regional areas;
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Microbreweries need recognition within the tax system through the MicrobreweryRefund, given that they are competing in a domestic market heavily dominated by multinational companies;
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The Microbrewery Refund was introduced in 2000, and that the definition of amicrobrewery has not been reviewed and is now markedly out of step with industry reality;
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The maximum excise refund has remained capped at $10,000, while the beer excise hasbeen raised twice a year for the last eleven years with CPI;
Calls on the Government to:
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Amend the definition of a Microbrewery under Excise Regulation 1925 2AB, so that amicrobrewery is defined as a brewery that produces up to 300,000 litres of beer annually, replacing the current maximum volume of 30,000 litres;
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Amend Subparagraph 50 (1) zzd of Excise Regulation 1925 to remove the maximum of$10,000 excise refund that can be claimed in a financial year.
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