Coalition backs in pubs & small businesses, challenges Labor to fix broken alcohol tax system

MR RICK WILSON MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR O’CONNOR

Hon Tim Wilson MP
Shadow Treasurer
Member for Goldstein

Pat Conaghan MP
Shadow Assistant Treasurer
Shadow Minister for Financial Services
Member for Cowper

10 March 2026

Joint Media Release 

Coalition backs in pubs & small businesses, challenges Labor to fix broken alcohol tax system

The Coalition is backing pubs and small businesses and calling on Labor to fix Australia's broken alcohol tax system. Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson, Shadow Assistant Treasurer Pat Conaghan, and Mr Rick Wilson, Federal Member for O’Connor today announced Coalition amendments to the Government’s beer excise bills to deliver fairer tax relief and begin long-overdue reform of Australia’s outdated alcohol tax system.

The Coalition supports real cost-of-living relief and welcomes the pause on tax increases for draught beer. But Labor’s plan is a token fix – temporary, narrow, and unfair. It leaves the deeper structural problems within the alcohol tax system untouched and locks in unequal treatment for spirits drinkers.

Under the Coalition’s amendments, we will:

• Extend the pause on automatic tax increases to on-tap spirits for one year from 1 August 2026, so Australians aren’t treated differently based on what they choose to drink; and
• Require Treasury to conduct a full review of Australia’s alcohol tax system, with a report to the Treasurer by 2 November 2026 and tabling in Parliament within 15 sitting days.

Mr Rick Wilson said Australians deserve meaningful and lasting alcohol tax relief. 

“Labor’s freeze cuts less than one cent off the price of a pint. That’s not meaningful cost-of-living relief – it’s just a headline. The whole system needs to be reviewed,” he said.

“Here in O’Connor, independent brewers like Lucky Bay Brewing at Esperance or the Barrel Farm Brewery in Albany are doing everything they can to serve their community, support local jobs, and keep their prices low. Rising taxes are making it harder.”

“Under Labor’s plan, beer drinkers get a tiny break, but people who prefer spirits face automatic tax increases twice a year. With inflation as high as it is that’s discrimination that needs to be fixed.”

“Independent breweries and distilleries are working hard to grow their business, and excise is a barrier to expansion.”

Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson said the alcohol tax system no longer reflects economic reality.

“Pubs and small businesses across Australia are struggling to keep their doors open. Our alcohol tax rules are more than a century old. Similar drinks are taxed in completely different ways. There’s no rhyme or reason to it – it’s just bad tax policy.” he said.

“Labor’s own tax system review acknowledged the system was broken in 2010. And with Labor’s debt fuelled inflation, it’s only gotten worse - but Labor has no plan to fix it.”

“Our amendment requires the Government to conduct a proper, evidence-based review, so we can finally fix up the mess. This is the way Governments are supposed to conduct responsible tax reform, instead of secret plans for higher taxes leaked to the media.”

Shadow Assistant Treasurer Pat Conaghan said pubs and clubs deserve more.

“The Coalition recognises that local pubs and clubs are the lifeblood of their communities, particularly in regional and rural towns. They’re more than just a place to get a drink, they’re an integral part of our Aussie way of life. And right now, they’re being crushed under the weight of rising costs and unrelenting government interference.” Mr Conaghan said.

“They deserve more than the scraps that they are currently receiving from the Treasurer’s table. And as a unified Opposition, we will continue to put pressure on the Government make it right.”

ENDS

Media contact:

Reuben Keyser: (08) 9842 2777, [email protected]