Australian brewers are urging the federal government to cut the beer tax in a bid to help the hospitality and tourism sectors.
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Brewers Association of Australia chief Brett Heffernan says it's an injustice the nation pays much more than most countries.
"At $1.52, the Poms reckon their beer tax is unfair on punters, that it kills jobs and they can bear no more hikes," he said.
"It's time our politicians recognised Australia's $2.26 beer tax, the fourth highest in the industrialised world, is grossly over the top and brought it into line with comparable countries.
"Cutting beer tax rates now will give Aussies the fair go and relief they deserve, while providing timely and much-needed stimulus to small, medium and large businesses, especially in hard-hit hospitality and tourism."
Mr Heffernan said the tax rate was set to increase in August while it was cut in half in the US about two years ago to $0.31.
Overnight the UK rate was frozen at $1.52.
Mr Heffernan says the Australian beer tax amounts for almost half the price of a stubby.
"That reality places a strain on hospitality and tourism operators already doing it tough."
Australian Associated Press
