Australian Grape & Wine was delighted by the Albanese Government’s decision to retain the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program in the recent Federal Budget. As is usual practice when there is a change of Government, programs initiated by the former Government were put under the microscope by the Albanese Government with a number of coalition-branded programs cut back. In addition to this, it is clear the Government is keen to reign in any spending that will hit the budget’s bottom-line and add to the significant inflationary pressures in the economy.
Given this context, the work undertaken by Australian Grape & Wine, state and wine industry associations, and individual Australian Grape & Wine members was pivotal in seeing the Government recommit to this program. The letters received by Parliamentarians and the willingness of members to go on the public record to spruik the benefits were all heard loud and clear by the decision-makers in Canberra. Without this coordinated effort, it is highly unlikely the grant would still be standing.
Wine Australia administers the grant and it is working with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to finalise arrangements to allow eligible businesses to lodge their applications. Wine Australia will let businesses know when the grant is open for business.
