Two politicians who have been actively promoting the cause of small brewers in Australia in recent years have thrown their weight behind a new campaign from the Craft Beer Industry Association (CBIA). The national body, which represents a growing number of breweries across Australia, today launches its “Beer Enthusiasts” program – a call for passionate beer lovers to sign up as members and support CBIA’s efforts to “Promote, Protect & Grow” craft beer in Australia.
To mark the program’s launch, they have bestowed the title of Joint Number 1 Beer Enthusiast on Senator Christine Milne, Leader of the Greens, and Mr Rob Oakeshott MP. Both Senator Milne and Mr Oakeshott have campaigned for tax equality for Australian brewers, with the latter calling for “comprehensive alcohol tax reform” after securing a tax break for small breweries last year.
âWe are delighted that Senator Milne and Mr Oakeshott have agreed to take up the positions of joint Number 1 Beer Enthusiasts,â said CBIA chair Brad Rogers, co-owner of Stone & Wood.
âOur industry is thankful to them for the work they did in securing a measure of excise relief in the last Federal Budget. I think every craft brewer in Australia wanted to buy them a beer but short of that we think that awarding them Number 1 CBIA Beer Enthusiast status is the next best thing.
âSenator Milne and Mr Oakeshott understand that the craft beer industry makes an important contribution to Australian society by providing employment opportunities in a broad spectrum of industries, not just in breweries, it also encourages tourism especially in regional and rural areas and it promotes a responsible drinking culture through the mantra of âDrink Less, Drink Better.â
CBIA (then Craft Beer Limited) was formed in November 2011 out of discussions between a number of the country’s leading craft breweries. Its aim is to focus on:
- Consumer awareness and education;
- Trade awareness and education;
- Developing and celebrating the quality and diversity of craft beer;
- Professional development within the industry; and
- Government liaison and advocacy.
Last year, it announced it would be holding the country’s first Craft Brewers Conference on May 22 and 23 during Good Beer Week 2013. The Beer Enthusiasts program is its latest move to raise awareness and encourage more people to become involved in efforts to promote craft beer in Australia.
âI now have a certificate stating âNumber 1 Beer Enthusiast’. Homer would be proud,“ said Mr Oakeshott.
âOn a more serious note, the challenges faced by small brewers in areas like taxation are very real and deserve greater attention and support from governments – Federal and State.
âLast year’s Federal Budget changes are now having a positive impact on the profitability of small brewing companies and on employment opportunities. And as a down payment on future reform, that’s worth raising a glass to."
Senator Milne said: âOne of the reasons I’ve been campaigning for changes to the alcohol tax regime since 2008 is because I believe craft beers are fantastic for creating sustainable local jobs, especially in rural and regional communities.
âI strongly support creating a more diversified economy that also promotes local producers, highlighting local ingredients, and local tourism. Craft beers are not just great for beer appreciators; they’re great for the whole community. It encourages responsible drinking by producing premium products that we can appreciate and admire.
“We support changes to the alcohol tax regime on public health grounds and to ensure a level playing field in the sector.”
In announcing this partnership with its new Number 1 Beer Enthusiasts, CBIA was keen to acknowledge the work done to date by Australian breweries fighting for a fairer tax regime.
“The CBIA recognises that a lot of people in our industry continue to put a great deal of effort into the campaign for tax reform,” said Rogers. “This result in particular was due in no small part to the efforts of Two Metres Tall and The Little Brewing Company establishing working relationships with their local members. A great example for all of us.”
What is a Beer Enthusiast?
A Beer Enthusiast membership is open to anyone wanting to support the work of the Craft Beer Industry Association. It costs $50 per annum and benefits for members include a CBIA pint glass, a CBIA bumper sticker, a regular newsletter, discounted entry to CBIA events and entry into regular prize draws.
To find out more, head to the CBIA website, which you can read about below…
A new website for industry
Today also see the Association launch a new website – www.australiancraftbeer.org.au.
In a statement on its launch, CBIA said: “It has been developed with a number of stakeholders in mind: the trade, media, politicians and bureaucrats, the broader brewing industry and, most importantly our members. â¨â¨The site will also provide visitors from outside of these stakeholder groups with considerable information about the Australian craft beer industry.
“Each Craft Beer Industry Association member has a listing containing their contact details along with links to their website and social media.
“The site will also feature a short video produced by The Post Project that celebrates Australian craft beer and the passion and hard work that goes into each and every glass.”
