What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill puts into law the government's freeze on the indexation of draught beer excise for two years. In debate, non-government members Pat Conaghan and Alison Penfold supported the bill but moved and backed amendments to also freeze tax on tap spirits and to push for a wider review of alcohol tax.
Arguments made in support
The government said the bill strikes the right balance between supporting pubs and clubs and keeping the budget sustainable.
Speakers said they valued the role pubs and clubs play in local communities.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Pat Conaghan said the freeze delivers less than a cent per pint and does not fix a broken alcohol tax system.
He argued twice-yearly automatic indexation adds to cost-of-living pressure and called for a full Treasury review of alcohol tax.
Alison Penfold backed extending the freeze to tap spirits, saying many drinkers, including many women, prefer them to beer.
The government did not support the amendments.
8 speeches by 4 members in the House over 2 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 8 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 4 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.