The NSW Nationals will introduce legislation to fix the legal mess that has resulted in NSW wine producers being charged land tax for turning their grapes into wine.
Deputy Nationals Leader Kevin Anderson said the Minns Labor Government has sat on its hands for 18 months while NSW wine producers have been unfairly affected by a reinterpretation of land tax exemptions.
“The Minns Labor Government has denied primary production land tax exemptions to wineries because the dominant revenue of the winery is from wine, instead of grapes,” Mr Anderson said.
“Turning grapes into wine is a natural process.
“As a result, wineries are being hit with substantial land tax bills, which many cannot afford, placing their business in jeopardy and at risk of closing.
“The Minns Labor government should be supporting winemakers, making it easier for them to do business and allowing them to get on with what they do best: producing award-winning wines.
Despite the NSW wine industry calling on the Minns Labor Government to fix this problem for 18 months, nothing has been done.
NSW Wine President Mark Bourne said the reinterpretation of land tax exemptions for wine growers is threatening the viability of regional businesses across NSW.
“This common-sense amendment will restore certainty and give our producers the confidence to invest, grow and prosper,” Mr Bourne said.
“We urge the Minns Government to work with the Coalition and resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”
