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 pauses the automatic twice-yearly rise in tax on draught beer poured from kegs in pubs and clubs for two years, from August 2025 to July 2027. The tax then resumes rising from the paused rate. Every party supported the freeze, and the debate focused on whether it goes far enough and who benefits most.
Arguments made in support
The Government said the pause gives about 10,000 venues, mostly small family businesses, more certainty and helps keep the price of a pint steady.
Labor members said pubs and clubs are community hubs that employ about 160,000 people and have struggled since the pandemic.
Government speakers said the measure is targeted, temporary and affordable, and does not change public health settings or the wider alcohol tax system.
The Coalition supported the bill, noting it had taken the same freeze to the last election.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said the freeze saves less than one cent a pint and does nothing about wider inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
The Coalition and Nationals moved amendments to include spirits served on tap and to require a full review of alcohol tax.
Independents said the benefit mostly goes to big foreign-owned brewers that control pub taps, and moved to include bottled craft beer and spirits.
Monique Ryan and Senator Tyrrell moved to make the freeze permanent, while Barnaby Joyce and Andrew Gee moved to remove the tax on drinks in venues entirely.
In the Senate, the Greens moved a motion noting links between alcohol and family violence and calling for stronger alcohol rules.
132 speeches by 67 members in the House and Senate over 9 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 8 Oct 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 3 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 24 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 25 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 27 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 3 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 4 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 5 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 1 Apr 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.