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Govt’s Choice To Pay Alcopops Money Back To Distillers

Press Releases March 19 2009

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The Rudd government’s decision to pay the almost $300 million raised from the alcopops tax back to the distillers is entirely their decision, Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.

“The Rudd government has chosen this route. It has made this decision and it cannot put the blame for that on others,” Senator Fielding said.

“The government knows it has the support in the Senate to keep the money. It is making this choice. The distillers don’t want the money and Family First, the Coalition, Senator Xenophon, and the Greens would all support the government keeping the money and spending it wisely.

“This is political grandstanding on a huge scale and I challenge the government to move beyond its petulance over losing this tax grab.

“Gagging debate on this issue, as happened in the House of Representatives this morning, is disappointing.

“Legally, the government can keep this money and use it for worthwhile programs. The industry has made it clear it doesn’t want the money back.

“The Senate’s will on this issue was clear – keep the money for the period already collected but the tax cannot continue.

“Also, the government should continue to implement those strategies it agreed to on warning labels and a linked ad campaign. It must also seriously look at closing the loophole that allows alcohol ads to be shown during sporting events in family viewing times.

“Minister Roxon was quoted today as saying that the decision on breaking the link between alcohol advertising and sport was a decision for the government, not me. She’s exactly right. It is the government’s decision but they lack the guts to do it.

“But I ask the Minister this: If 72% of Australians support that decision, as their elected representatives, isn’t the government bound to honour it?”