Don Farrell, Minister for Trade, announced the Inquiry into the utilisation of benefits under Australia’s free trade agreements in May. Sandra North formerly of Seven Seasons and now of Seppeltsfield Rd Distillers and David Vitale of Starward appeared before the Committee alongside Spirits & Cocktails Australia chief executive Greg Holland and chair Dan Hamilton. This was another opportunity for our industry to showcase its potential to become a $1 billion export industry by 2035.

Sandra and David’s evidence highlighted the uniqueness and quality of Australian spirits. They advised the Committee that while FTAs are important to growing spirits exports, current FTAs require reforms to ensure safe passage for our innovative products featuring exotic ingredients. Eg Green Ant Gin.

Sandra and Dave advised the Committee that FTAs are not a silver bullet for spirits exports to succeed. They said supporting policy measures must include reform of spirits excise and the establishment of an export body, Spirits Australia, that will undertake similar functions to those of Wine Australia.

Like the Food & Beverage Inquiry, we now wait for the Committee to deliver its final report, which is likely to be early next year. We hope the inquiry will deliver bipartisan recommendations that support our export agenda.