AUS'rIA PRESS STATEMENT NO. 2
6 December 1972
The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, announced tonight tha-u
the 25 cents a gallon excise on wine sales would be removed ab
Irom tomorrow. Mr Whitlam signed a remission of the excise under oy-,
late this afternoon.
The promise for the removal of the excise was made -n
Mr Whitlam's policy speech outlining the Labor platform for
last Saturday's election.
When the charge was originally imposed, a special
provision was made to allow its remission under by-law. w4,
this provision used today to have the excise removed.
Legislation therefore is unnecessary.
Mr Whitlam said the government would check to ensu: e
that, with the removal of the duty, the benefit would be passe,-
on to wine consumers.
He added that, because some wine manufacturers palc ciL
in advance of actual sales, provision would be made for dL,' Uy
already paid on wine stili in manufacturers' hands to be 2e. wiit.
He said a regulation under the Excise Act would give
effect to this as soon as possible.
Officers of the Customs Department are working now on
the drafting of the regulation.
CANBERRA, A. C. T.
PRESS STATEMENT NO 2 - 6 DECEMBER 1972
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