Hangover looms for wine industry as axe hangs over tax rebate

There are concerns for the future of hundreds of small wine businesses across Australia if the Federal Government moves to scrap a generous rebate paid to producers. The rebate was introduced to support regional wine operators allowing businesses to claim a refund on the amount of tax they pay, potentially up to $500,000 per year. Last month a Senate inquiry into the Australian grape and wine industry recommended phasing it out over five years and re-directing the money for schemes like an annual grant to cellar door operators.