The Spirits and Cocktail Association of Australia (SCA) will adopt a new structure and a tougher advocacy stance following Prime Minister Albanese’s re-election on May 3. An open recruitment process has created a new executive director role. An interim executive director will serve until a permanent appointment is made.
Focus on Federal Engagement and Member Input
The SCA said the changes will make it a more focused and agile peak body. It will concentrate on federal regulation and policy. Day-to-day activities will draw on greater input from its members.
Excise Reform Remains Top Priority
Association president Dan Hamilton said the SCA will continue to push for reform of Australia’s spirits excise system. He called excise “the single biggest barrier to growth” for spirits producers. Australia’s excise on spirits is the third highest in the world, behind only Iceland and Norway. Beer was granted a two-year excise exemption for draft beer, a move that craft breweries welcomed and distillers criticized.
CEO Greg Holland Steps Down
As part of the reorganisation, CEO Greg Holland will leave after more than five years in the role. Hamilton thanked Holland for his leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic and for promoting the spirits industry as an export powerhouse.
Holland said, “It has been a privilege to serve this vibrant and resilient industry.” He highlighted achievements such as advocating for GST reform and building the SCA’s presence in Canberra. He pledged to continue supporting public policy efforts in Australia and abroad.
Broader Industry Developments
A parliamentary inquiry in February recommended forming a spirits trade body similar to that for Australian wine. The federal budget forecasts a A$280 million revenue loss from spirits excise in 2024-25. Meanwhile, winemakers will receive an extra A$50,000 tax break from July 1, 2026, under current plans.
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