‘Axe the tax’ says Katter about ever-increasing alcohol excise
March 17, 2025
Bob Katter has welcomed the prime minister's decision to freeze the beer excise, which currently increases biannually, but says this is a temporary fix and doesn't go far enough to support consumers and hospitality venues.
"People are paying through the nose for a simple beer at the pub," Katter explained. “Let’s call it what it is – double-dipping. The government is slugging people who’ve already paid tax on their hard-earned wages, and now they’re taxed again just to enjoy a cold one with their mates.
"This freeze is a start, but it's a band-aid on a bullet wound. A tax that has gone up more than 80 times in 40 years? We’re talking about the third highest beer tax in the world!
"I mean, let's just think about the flow on effects here," Katter said. "People are working longer hours, they're going out less, absorbed in technology more than ever – let me tell you now – this story doesn't end well for any of us.
"This is about more than alcohol access. The pub is where you take a load off alongside your fellow man, whether he lives modestly or he's a millionaire. Seated on a stool at a bar, we are all the same.
"Small pubs are the heart of these regional towns and communities, and are closing every single week. And on that figure, I do not exaggerate. Meanwhile, this year Canberra will cash in to the tune of $8 billion from alcohol tax alone.
Mr Katter called on the prime minister to take long term action and respond to the concerns of the hospitality sector.
"The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) have put forward sensible solutions – a fair go for pubs, clubs, and their workers. It’s time for a review. We need the government to say where they stand on this," Katter said.
Paul Grover, owner of the Silkwood Hotel, believes the freeze should be on all alcohol, not just beer.
“They call it an excise, but strip it down and it’s a tax,” Mr Grover said. “Alcohol is alcohol and not everyone drinks beer. This is like taxing someone differently depending on the colour car they drive. It doesn’t make sense.
“When GST was brought in, they assured us that no tax would be taxed again but here we are.
“We’re getting less and less people through the door. If that’s not sending alarm bells to the government that they’re killing an industry then I don’t know what will.
Mr Grover believes the live music industry is also at stake.
“Even the biggest names at one time played in smaller venues, and if the government keeps killing our pubs, there will be nowhere for up-and-coming acts to perform. So, without that avenue you can say goodbye to local talent.
“Every way we turn it’s getting harder and harder to keep the doors open,” Mr Grover said. “Wages are going up, plus increases to the super percentage, and now electricity is going up too.
“It’s hard not to feel like small business is being shafted by the government and it’s just wrong.”
ENDS
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