Alcopop tax to be scrutinised in Parliament
The controversial legislation to raise taxes on alcopops by 70 per cent has been introduced to Parliament, almost a year after the Federal Government started collecting the extra taxes.The Government raised the tax on pre-mixed alcoholic drinks, commonly referred to as ‘alcopops’, from $39 a litre to $66 last April, due to concerns that they were promoting binge drinking amongst young people. Since then the merit of the tax has been a keen source of debate, especially since some alcohol manufacturers found a loophole in the new tax which allows them to create similar products to alcopops using the alcohol extracted from beer.
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon claims the tax is helping their bid to tackle the binge drinking issue. “Alcopops are targeted directly at young people and underage drinkers. This is, quite simply, indefensible,” Ms Roxon suggested. “Community leaders, police and health experts alike agree that action needs to be taken.”
Ms Roxon advised that Australian Taxation Office figures suggest overall sales of spirits have fallen by almost 8 per cent since the tax hike was introduced.
The legislation is likely to meet resistance in the Senate, however, with the Opposition indicating they will vote against the tax.
US scientists have discovered middle-aged adults who have high-levels of a particular body chemical ...
More Australians are purchasing their Easter chocolates online according to new research released by...
United Petroleum has purchased Pie Face for an undisclosed figure.
Select Harvest has produced less almonds than expected for its 2017 season with the weather to blame...
A Melbourne bioplastics developer says it has seen strong investor interest in recent moves to stop ...
The A2 Milk Company has nearly tripled its net profit after tax for its 2017 financial year thanks t...
When it comes to encouraging people to follow population based dietary guidelines two things are cle...
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has taken action to reiterate the importan...