Veterans’ Support

With the announcement of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, Federal Minister for Veterans’ Afairs and Defence Personnel Darren Chester visited northern Tasmania recently, encouraging local veterans and their families to have their say.

Minister Chester also joined Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer in visiting the Bridport, George Town and Launceston RSL sub-branches to discuss the needs of their veterans’ community.

During a visit to the Launceston RSL, Minister Chester and Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer sat down with almost 30 veterans to discuss their outreach programs and the work of the sub-branch members to assist their local veterans.

Te Launceston RSL is seeking state and federal government funding to make several signifcant upgrades to their Wellingston Street home to ensure the branch can continue to meet the demands of their community and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

“I am working closely with Minister Chester in the hopes of securing this much-needed funding,” Mrs Archer said.

incredible award-winning gin that rivals’ distillers across the country and the world over.

Just like our local distillers– Abel Gin, Corra Linn, Darby-Norris, Fannys Bay, Flinders Island, Furneux, NegatVe Distillery, Tamar Valley and Turner Stillhouse – the majority of Australian distillers are in regional and rural areas, bringing economic benefits through farm production, manufacturing, regional tourism and hospitality. However, until recently, local distillers and small brewers faced a block to their economic growth due to the high excise tax.

Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer began lobbying the Federal Government for tax relief measures for the industry after ongoing discussions with a number of distillers and small brewers in the northern Tasmanian region.

“I am thrilled the Treasurer answered the call for tax relief in the latest budget, with this growing sector now benefitting from a tripling of the excise fund tax from $100,000 to $350,000 per year,” Mrs Archer said.

“This significant announcement will allow our local brewers and distillers to keep more of what they earn, helping them to invest in their company and grow their workforce.”

Liane Darby, co-owner of the north-east distillery DarbyNorris, said the change to the excise refund cap will have a positive impact on their burgeoning business.

“(This change) means we can further expand our business with new equipment and look at possibly hiring a new staff member,” Ms Darby said.