Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020

As the bill's mover, outlined the new artisan producer licence to support Queensland's craft brewing and artisan distilling industries, emphasising reduced regulatory burden, market access improvements, and appropriate harm minimisation measures.

“The artisan producer licence has been developed in consultation with the industry to ensure the continued growth of independent craft brewing and artisan distilling businesses across the state.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Announced LNP support for the bill while highlighting concerns about the slow pace of legislative change, lack of regulatory impact statement, and concerns raised by the Independent Brewers Association about restrictions on takeaways and promotional events.

“The LNP will be supporting the bill, but we will highlight some of our concerns and reflect on the process that has ever so slowly led to this legislation being put before the House today.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

As the minister responsible for craft brewing, strongly supported the bill as delivering on the Palaszczuk government's commitment under the Queensland Craft Brewing Strategy to establish a new licence that better suits the industry.

“When I commenced in this portfolio last year, one of my first priorities was to introduce this bill into parliament. I can still remember my opening comments on that bill, as I had been waiting my whole adult life to do something like this in this parliament.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as shadow assistant minister for the night-time economy but criticised the government for delays, noting the amendments came too late to help industry during COVID-19 and some provisions do not go far enough.

“Yes, members heard me: these amendments are introduced to help artisan distillers withstand the challenges of COVID-19, but they are being introduced a whole year after the pandemic began.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

As committee chair, supported the bill which strengthens the artisan liquor industry while maintaining appropriate regulatory controls, noting the committee's recommendation that the bill be passed.

“The purpose of the bill is 'to strengthen the artisan liquor industry in Queensland by supporting the growth and sustainability of craft breweries and artisan distilleries, while still maintaining appropriate regulatory controls and oversight'.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Welcomed the bill on behalf of Queensland's independent brewers, acknowledging it will help the industry recover from the pandemic and grow their markets on a more level playing field.

“On behalf of Queensland's burgeoning artisan liquor industry, I welcome this bill and the benefits it will bring to the hundreds of 'beerpreneurs', their families and their local communities as they seek to recover from the pandemic's economic tsunami.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as a committee member, emphasising it strikes the right balance between supporting industry growth and maintaining proper regulatory oversight and harm minimisation practices.

“The Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill 2020 strikes the right balance between supporting the growth of this sector while maintaining proper regulatory oversight and harm minimisation practices.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as beneficial for local craft breweries, noting it will help them compete against large multinational brewers and enhance local events and tourism.

“These artisan breweries are small to medium enterprises, firmly tied to localities. These attributes make them an engine for local growth.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Made a brief contribution supporting the bill, declaring that her husband owns a small craft brewing business in Queensland and noting the proposed changes will be welcomed by the industry.

“I know that Queensland brewers and industry representatives in Queensland will welcome these proposed changes.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as a committee member while noting the government's original framework was watered down after broader consultation, and expressed disappointment that provisions for selling through independent grocers were not included.

“The bill is generally very positive. As has been said by the shadow Attorney-General, the LNP will be supporting it.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

As Agriculture Minister, strongly supported the bill and highlighted the government's investment in BrewLab and TAFE brewing courses to support industry development.

“The Palaszczuk government has demonstrated its commitment to the development of the craft brewing industry, and this bill is a further contribution to the industry's success.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill while calling for further regulatory reform and government support for food manufacturing hubs to help the industry expand beyond local markets.

“I believe there is much that is positive in this bill even though, as we have alluded, there are still opportunities to improve the regulations around this industry so that we are able to better support our artisan liquor producers.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

As a committee member, supported the bill noting it responds to the pandemic's impact on the industry and provides a framework for growth while maintaining appropriate oversight.

“These amendments are geared towards support for small independent producers and guards against larger companies manipulating the system through ownership of multiple craft breweries.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill and the craft brewing industry, noting his family's background in the pub industry and highlighting local breweries in his electorate while calling for more state government support for small businesses.

“I support the industry. I recall when I was the attorney-general responsible for liquor licensing that the LNP government set out to reduce red tape.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as part of the government's Craft Beer Strategy, acknowledging the economic contribution of craft brewing and the importance of supporting the industry's recovery from COVID-19.

“The bill before us acknowledges the craft brewing industry's growing economic contribution to the Queensland economy.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as it will bring the niche industry into the 21st century and place Queensland craft producers on a level playing field with other states, particularly benefiting distilleries in his electorate.

“This bill has been a long time coming... I would rather congratulate the government on introducing this very worthwhile piece of legislation and I look forward to the development of the industry.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, having worked with the industry for years and paid tribute to industry champions while welcoming the new licence category and ongoing consultation commitment.

“The bill recognises one of the greatest and newest manufacturing industries in Queensland.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

As shadow minister for small business, supported the bill as welcome reforms that will simplify regulatory arrangements and drive investment, while noting a more proactive approach could have saved businesses during COVID.

“These are welcome reforms which will hopefully simplify the regulatory arrangements for artisan producers across the state and drive investment in new and diverse hospitality offerings as we recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as delivering on the government's commitment to support the artisan liquor industry through jobs, economic growth and market access opportunities.

“Today we raise a glass to Queensland craft brewers and say 'cheers' to our artisan distillers.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill despite concerns about excessive penalties and record-keeping requirements, acknowledging it has beneficial provisions for the industry.

“The proposed penalties in this bill are outrageous and should be deleted... However, the bill does have one or two great provisions and will be moderately beneficial. For that reason, I have decided that I will be supporting the bill.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as a former hospitality worker, noting it addresses concerns about harm minimisation while supporting genuine craft producers who do not encourage binge drinking.

“I think this legislation is a wonderful step forward for our craft brewers and craft distillers.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Enthusiastically supported the bill to help Queensland microbreweries and artisan distillers compete against interstate rivals and produce quality beer.

“I could speak on this bill all day, but for the love of beer I hope everyone in this House votes for this bill. The KAP supports the bill.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as creating important opportunities for locally owned artisan producers who employ local people and contribute to regional economies.

“Our government is firmly behind our craft brewers and artisan distillers and we want to see the industry grow.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as a positive step for boutique and artisan brewers, highlighting local distillery Granddad Jack's in his electorate and the growth of craft brewing tourism.

“I cannot help but support the wonderful piece of small business legislation that is before the House.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Gave wholehearted support to the bill as it helps small businesses compete against large brewing companies, while encouraging the government to continue red-tape-cutting reforms.

“I give my wholehearted support to this bill. It is something that is very close to my heart.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

As Small Business Minister, supported the bill as removing barriers for small business and creating incentives for business expansion and job creation.

“This is a bill that frees restrictions on innovators, investors and businesses wishing to expand their business and create more local jobs.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as a step in the right direction for the growing craft brewing industry, while noting some earlier provisions for takeaway sales were removed and event definitions remain too rigid.

“These changes are a step in the right direction and I welcome these reforms.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as a good example of the government's deliberate approach to bring community and industry together, noting it contributes to changing the culture around alcohol fuelled violence.

“We see in this new framework a good example of the Palaszczuk government's deliberate approach to bring the community and industry with us throughout this reform.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill while noting a regulatory impact statement would have been useful, and encouraged further reforms to support sensible moderate consumption over binge culture.

“I think this is a good start. Let us keep on the journey.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as responding to small business needs while maintaining harm minimisation measures, pleased it has bipartisan support.

“In this bill we have listened to small business. Small businesses in the artisan liquor industry right throughout Queensland are doing remarkably well and we have responded to the issues that they have raised.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Wholeheartedly supported the bill as welcome legislation that will help diversify the tourism industry on the Gold Coast and give employment opportunities in this growing industry.

“I wholeheartedly support this bill. It will help diversify the tourism industry on the Gold Coast.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill as meaning jobs, support for mum-and-dad businesses and markets for unique local products in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

“What this important legislation means in my region is jobs, support for mum-and-dad businesses and markets for our unique products.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Supported the bill based on conversations with local artisan distillers and craft brewers, noting it will promote innovation, local investment and create jobs.

“This is a bill that frees restrictions on innovators, investors and businesses wishing to expand their business and create more local jobs.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill with two innovative inner city microbreweries in his electorate, emphasising it supports innovative Queensland businesses and industry.

“This legislation is all about supporting innovative Queensland businesses and industry because that is what we do on this side of the House.”— 2021-03-09View Hansard