Alcopops tax gets Senate green light

  • August 13, 2009
  • James Ferre

The 70 per cent tax hike on ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages (alcopops) has received Senate approval five months after being rejected by Senators.

The permanent hike was introduced at last year’s budget and was added to the price of drinks before being approved by Parliament. The rejection of the Bill in March by the Senate meant that the funds raised should be delivered back to distillers, but the passing of a separate Bill validated the tax that had already been received.

The Coalition and Family First Senator Steve Fielding combined to defeat the Bill back in March, but Senator Fielding found himself on his own when it came time to vote today.

There was no formal division in the Coalition despite previous threats by members of the National party to cross the floor.


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