Glass half empty on WET Rebate reform for struggling wine sector, says Xenophon

Independent Senator for South Australia, Nick Xenophon, said it was “deeply concerning” that the Government had missed its July deadline for the release of a discussion paper on reforming the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) Rebate, given the distorting effect of the rebate and concerns it is being widely rorted. Senator Xenophon was part of negotiations in May with the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer to reform the rebate in order to assist wine grape growers and winemakers, the overwhelming majority of whom are struggling to survive.