Have you noticed many of your favourite local breweries struggling over the past year or two? You're not alone. The industry is facing a crisis - Unfair taxes, restrictive contracts, and big brand dominance are forcing too many to close their doors.
And, with the ATO recently releasing updated alcohol excise rates, starting August 5, independent brewers have been hit with, yet again, higher excise costs on their beer production.
Independent breweries play a crucial role in the local economy, providing jobs, supporting local agriculture, and contributing to the cultural and social fabric of our community. However, they face significant challenges that threaten their ability to thrive and compete fairly.
𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽? We’ve created a simple template for you to send to your local MP, urging them to support small brewers and work towards creating a level playing field.
Copy the text found HERE or below the line on this page. Then, paste it into a blank email, fill in with the relevant information for your local MP and yourself and send it off!
It takes just a minute to make a big difference. Let’s come together to save the future of independent craft beer in Australia.
_______________________________________________
Dear [Local MP’s Name or Federal MP’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. As a passionate supporter of local businesses and a dedicated consumer of craft beer, I am writing to seek your support for small independent brewers in our region. These brewers play a crucial role in the local economy, providing jobs, supporting local agriculture, and contributing to the cultural and social fabric of our community. However, they face significant challenges that threaten their ability to thrive and compete fairly.
Tax Relief and Fairer Excise
Small independent brewers are currently at a disadvantage due to the inequitable excise tax system. The disparity between the excise tax and the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) places an undue burden on brewers, making it difficult for them to compete with larger producers and wine makers. I urge you to advocate for reforms that would provide tax relief to small brewers and create a fairer excise system. These changes would enable them to reinvest in their businesses, create more jobs, and continue contributing to our local economies.
Supporting ACCC Investigation into Tap Contracts
Anti-competitive tap contracts imposed by large breweries severely restrict market access for independent brewers. These contracts often force venues to exclusively stock products from major breweries, limiting consumer choice and stifling competition. I request your support in urging the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to thoroughly investigate these practices and enforce regulations that promote fair competition in the market.
Addressing Supermarket Chains’ Market Control and House Brands
The dominance of supermarket chains in the retail market poses another significant challenge for small brewers. These chains often prioritise their house brands, which compete directly with independent brewers, using their market power to control access and pricing. This practice undermines the diversity and quality of products available to consumers and threatens the viability of small brewers. I ask for your support in implementing measures that ensure fair market access for independent brewers and protect them from unfair competition by supermarket house brands.
Your support in these matters would be greatly appreciated by the many consumers like myself who value the diversity, quality, and community spirit that small independent brewers bring to our region. Together, we can ensure a fair and competitive market that benefits consumers and small businesses alike.
Thank you for your attention to these important issues. I look forward to your positive response and support.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Postcode]
[Your Email Address]
