Thank you to Members who have engaged with their local MP. The most effective voice we have is when local distillers engage directly with your local representative.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) will venture into the world of distilled spirits for the first time since 1981 next year as it launches its inaugural stand-alone Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show.

Taking advantage of SCA bringing State Presidents together for the Parliamentary Inquiry Workshop, State Presidents held an informal catch up to discuss State issues. Weather conditions impacted on the attendance.

Alcohol Beverage Australia held their Annual General Meeting and Council Meeting. The Chief Executive of ABA confirmed that the current Board had been elected at the previous AGM for a period of two years.

In November, Australian Distillers President, Holly Klintworth, and Treasurer/Secretary, Stephen Parry met with the Chair of Spirits & Cocktails Australia, to discuss the MOU between the two associations.

Approval of a new Digital Best Practice Guide, developed in consultation with a working group of Code signatories was approved by the ABAC board. The Code will now be shared with the Minister for Health by the Department of Health representative on the Management Committee.

Deloitte Access Economics was engaged in September by SCA to update the Australian spirits industry’s economic contribution analysis. This study will be a valuable input into submissions and advocacy in support of a Parliamentary Inquiry, and in our continued pursuit of spirits excise reform.

Last month the UK Government announced a freeze on all alcohol duty until at least August next year.

The Victorian Government has announced the Safety - Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate has now opened for all Victorian distilleries. This program will provide a rebate of up to $50,000 for expenditure on eligible safety infrastructure improvements to your distillery.

The Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) confirms Australia’s spirits excise regime is untenable and must be urgently reformed, the spirits industry warns.

The UK Government’s decision to temporarily freeze alcohol duty is instructive for policymakers in Australia, according to the Australian spirits industry.

If you are the ADA primary contact, you would have received an email from Deloitte Access Economics inviting you to complete a survey about your business.