Riverland Wine, the representative body for South Australian Riverland wine producers, is calling on Government to put an end to Australian wine’s “preferential” tax rate. The body joins the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, along with others such as the Wolf Blass Foundation, in their campaign to reform wine tax hikes. Federation Chief Executive, Paul Evans, said the support for Riverland Wine’s action has been significant. “Riverland Wine represents a diverse and important part of the nation’s wine industry, with some 1018 grape growers and 16 wineries among its membership,” Mr. Evans said. In total, Riverland Wine accounts for over 20 per cent of the nation’s grape crush. Riverland Wine’s Chris Byrne said that the Australian wine industry is currently enduring the toughest period it’s seen in over two decades. “Any increase in wine taxes would severely damage the wine industry and hurt regional communities, trade and tourism,” Mr Byrne said. The support from Riverland Wine will help pay for the Federation’s analysis of wine taxation and its impact on the Australian wine industry ahead of a national review of the tax system expected later this year and the 2015 Federal Budget, as well as support a broader community campaign.
