Explanatory Memorandum
(Circulated by authority of the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator the Hon. Anne Ruston)General Outline
The Australian Grape and Wine Authority Amendment (Wine Australia) Bill 2017 (the Bill) will make amendments to the Australian Grape and Wine Authority Act 2013 (the Act). These amendments will enable the Authority established by section 6 of the Act to implement, facilitate and administer programs for cider and in relation to international wine tourism, and to administer grant programs in relation to wine, as defined by section 33-1 of the A New Tax System (Wine Equalisation Tax) Act 1999 (the WET Act). The amendments will also formally change the name of the Authority.
In 2016, the Australian Government announced the introduction of a $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package (the Wine Support Package) and a $10 million Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant (the Cellar Door Grant). Both the Wine Support Package and the Cellar Door Grant have been introduced to assist the wine industry to transition to reforms of the wine equalisation tax (WET), including a reduction of the annual WET rebate from $500,000 to $350,000.
The Australian Government also decided that the Authority is best placed to deliver both the Wine Support Package and the Cellar Door Grant. However, under the Act, the functions of the Authority are currently restricted. Accordingly, amendments are required to enable the Authority to deliver these programs.
The Bill also seeks to align the legislated name of the Authority, currently the 'Australian Grape and Wine Authority', with the trading name of the Authority, 'Wine Australia'.
The Bill will:
- •
- enable the Authority to implement all program activities under the Wine Support Package, including for the purposes of cider and international wine tourism;
- •
- enable the Authority to administer grant programs for wine (as defined by section 33-1 of the WET Act), including the Cellar Door Grant;
- •
- change the name of the Authority from the 'Australian Grape and Wine Authority' to 'Wine Australia'.
Financial Impact Statement
The Bill will have no financial impact on the Australian Government Budget.
Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights
The Bill is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.
The full statement of compatibility with human rights is attached to this explanatory memorandum.