LABOR IGNORES PLEAS FOR COUNTRY LIQUOR LICENCE FEE RELIEF

This week in Parliament, Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes again raised the issue of the unfair massive increases in liquor licence fees and the impact on country pubs, general stores and other businesses.

Dr Sykes told Parliament that the Premier had shown double standards in succumbing to public pressure in marginal inner Melbourne electorates and promised to refine liquor licence laws to allow popular music venues to re-open.

“At the same time pleas from small country pubs, vignerons, bars, bed and breakfast businesses and sporting and community clubs, pleas for relief from massive hikes in liquor licence fees fall on the Premier’s deaf ears,” Dr Sykes said.

Yesterday Dr Sykes again met with Tony Robinson, the Minister for Consumer Affairs and raised with him many issues which licensees have raised.

“In fact I gave him about 80 emails which I have received from furious licensees and asked him to look at the whole range of situations where licensees are being unjustly hit with massive fee increases.

“The Minister recognises that the fee structure ‘needs to be reviewed’ and he has commissioned the company that did the initial risk modelling to do more work.

“However the harsh fees mean that many licensees will have to wear massive fee increases this year as a consequence of the Brumby Government’s greedy grab for cash and inept management of the process.

“In addition to the ongoing efforts on behalf of licensees, my National colleagues have raised the issue in Parliament each sitting day this week as well as repeatedly in the media.”

The Liberal National Coalition has initiated an extensive debate on the issue in the Upper House of Parliament, and Michael O’Brien, the Coalition Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs continues to raise this issue at every opportunity.

Dr Sykes said he would continue to make significant representations to the Minister and the State Labor Government until common sense prevails and a fairer, more equitable liquor licence fee system is introduced.