The Brendan Nelson-led Federal Opposition intends to block the Rudd
Government’s $31 billion tax imposition on Alcopols (or as the liquor industry called them RTDs, ie Ready to Drinks). The tax raised the excise rate by 70% and was deliberately designed to curb rampant binge drinking among young people, particularlfy young women.
The liquor industry claims wholesale purchases of RTDs are down 33% on the same month last year – but it claims wholesale purchses of full strength spirits, particularly vodka, are up by 23%.
Health Minister Nicole Roxon, on the contrary, has released Australian Taxation Office data showing an 23% fall in overall spirits consumption. Remember that the ATO actually collects the revenue. Its data also reports that sales of RTDs fell by 54% in the three months measured, while full-strength spirit sales rose by only 7%.
So who are we to believe? Redoubtable Minister Nicki Roxon OR the liquor industry who poured hundreds of thousands of advertising campaign dollars into June’s Victorian Gippsland by election which was held by the Nationals.
Toowoomba and Darling Downs political and social commentary. Print copies of this newsletter may be ordered from Toowoomba's Office Works, phone 4699-5300
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Hugh Bingham
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About Hugh Bingham
Bingham is a career journalist with experience in State and Federal politics. He has been Editor of the Sunday Truth, the Sydney Sunday Mirror, Associate Editor of the Sydney Daily Mirror, and has reported overseas for The Australian.
In retirement he turned farmer in the Felton Valley, near Toowoomba, breeding Appaloosas and winning best foal and filly at the 1992 State championships.
Now 80, Bingham takes a keen interest in current affairs, especially politics and social issues. Bingham has tutored U3A groups as diverse as poetry, memoir writing, and classical music.
In retirement he turned farmer in the Felton Valley, near Toowoomba, breeding Appaloosas and winning best foal and filly at the 1992 State championships.
Now 80, Bingham takes a keen interest in current affairs, especially politics and social issues. Bingham has tutored U3A groups as diverse as poetry, memoir writing, and classical music.
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