Australian distillers have today welcomed $50,000 in additional tax relief, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese MP with the candidate for Lyons, Rebecca White MP, at Killara Distillery in Tasmania.

This much needed relief means the excise-free threshold for craft distillers and brewers will lift from $350,000 to $400,000 from 1 July 2026. Equivalent relief will be offered to winemakers through the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) producer rebate.

President of the Tasmanian Whisky and Spirits Association and founder of Killara Distillery Kristy Lark-Booth said the additional relief comes at a time when it is needed most by Tasmania’s 77 distilleries.

“Fifty thousand dollars will provide much-needed headroom for Tasmanian whisky and spirits producers to continue investing in their businesses and laying down barrels to support the growth of the industry, both at home and abroad,” she said.

“We know that Tasmania produces some of the world’s most distinctive spirits, and there is huge scope to create a thriving export industry to rival the likes of more established distilling industries in Japan, Ireland and the USA.”

Australian Distillers Association chief executive Paul McLeay said the benefits will flow to 700 craft distillers throughout the country, half of which are in regional and rural Australia.

“Eighty-eight per cent of Australian distillers are small businesses and today’s announcement means they can continue investing in enhancing production, supporting regional employment and providing unique destinations for tourists,” he said.

“We recognise the additional funding announced today for Austrade to help the industry realise its export potential, but we know that more needs to be done.

“Research shows that with the right settings and support, Australian spirits exports can grow to be worth $1 billion in trade value within the decade.

“That’s why we’ve called on the Government to adopt our Spirits Export Accelerator Strategy to provide the necessary infrastructure to upskill distillers and protect the integrity and reputation of Australian spirits in export, ensuring the right checks and balances are in place before product leaves our shores.

“We know that with this support, we can build on the Albanese Government’s objectives of growing domestic manufacturing, diversifying exports and supporting regional communities.

“We look forward to continue working with the Prime Minister and his team to realise this potential.”