In the lead up to Budget 2018-19, the Australian Government has announced last week that excise rates on small kegs of beer would be cut to allow craft brewers and distillers compete on fairer terms with large beverage companies. Currently, draught beer sold in kegs exceeding 48 litres is taxed at lower rates compared with beer sold in smaller kegs.

The government will also increase the amount beverage companies can claim back on their excise from $30,000 a year to $100,000, from 1 July 2019 for all brewers and distillers.

Treasurer Scott Morrison will be tabling the Budget 2018-19 in the House of Representatives on Tuesday 8 May 2018.

Further readings:

Treasurer’s media release

Tobacco and Alcohol: A Taxing Double Standard by Glenys Byrne

Budget Forum 2016: Improving integrity of Wine taxation but not addressing the big picture by Megan Vine

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