The Wire

A controversial 70% alcohol tax increase has been passed by the Senate. The alcopops bill has been highly contested and debated since its introduction last year. It’s been voted down on a number of occasions and has received criticism from a range of interested stakeholders including industry, political, academic, and community. Alcopops are now taxed in line with spirits and expected to net the government one-point-six billion dollars over four years, but Senators who opposed the Bill say it’s a cynical move. Interviews with National’s Senator, Barnaby Joyce and Drug Arm’s Executive Director Dennis Young.