The Australian Distillers Association is a signatory to the ABAC Scheme. In doing so, there is a benefit to the members. Direct signatories to the ABAC Scheme receive the following benefits:
- Public recognition on the ABAC website of their signatory status
- Significantly reduced pre-vetting fees
- Advice of any changes to:
- ABAC publications (ABAC Code, Guidance notes & Rules & Procedures)
- Pre-vetting procedures and fees
- Complaints adjudication procedures
- Non-member signatory administration fees forms and procedures
- Opportunity to provide feedback on proposals for material changes to the Code or procedures and a quarterly summary of adjudication decisions made in the previous quarter
The ABAC Scheme is the centrepiece of alcohol marketing regulation in Australia. It is a not-for-profit organisation established to promote the marketing of alcohol beverages occurring responsibly and consistently with standards of good practice via regulation, education and advice. The ABAC Scheme is:
- administered by a Management Committee which, along with government, includes representatives from industry and advertising;
- quasi-regulatory in nature as the Australian Governments are represented on the Management Committee and a Professor of Public Health, nominated by government is part of all adjudication panel hearings; and
- funded by industry via membership levies, direct signatory fees and pre-vetting fees.