Why This Matters

When MPs visit a distillery, they get it. They meet you, they meet your team, they see the equipment, it makes it real, and they hear first hand what makes our industry vibrant and what holds it back.

These visits make a lasting impression. Last term, several distillers secured follow-up support, letters to Ministers, and even meetings simply by opening their doors. One distillery visit can be the difference between an MP who’s neutral, and one who becomes an active supporter.

Right now, our communications with MPs are focused on two things:

• Raising awareness of the real people and businesses behind the Australian spirits industry.

• Encouraging MPs to write to the Minister for Industry & Innovation, Senator the Hon. Tim Ayres, supporting the recommendations from the Food & Beverage Manufacturing Inquiry: to establish Spirits Australia; and Conduct a review of alcohol taxation in Australia

The Strategy

During the Federal Election campaign, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $50,000 increase to the Alcohol Manufacturers Remission (AMR) from 1 July 2026, which supports every single distillery across the country. We’ve seen the value of the AMR decline in real terms since it was introduced, and this increase will go some way to restoring its original value.

Now is the time to welcome your local MPs to your distillery, congratulate them on their election or re-election, thank them for this AMR increase, and also outline the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. This can include everything, from your hopes and dreams for your distillery to the things that constrain further growth – like excise and a lack of coordinated Federal Government support and investment to help the industry realise its full potential.

Some MPs are brand new and may not even know they have distilleries in their electorate, let alone how incredible the Australian distilling industry is. So, now is the time to start them on their journey of discovery by inviting them to your distillery to get them across the positive contribution your business makes in your local area or region, to help them become an ally of your business and our great industry.

Distillery visits help MPs see the industry through our eyes, building an understanding of how we contribute to their electorate and the national economy, while engaging them on an emotive level that can translate to support in Parliament.

Download this Member Action Pack and invite your Local MP now ! 

MEMBER ACTION PACK.pdf