Madam Speaker, I understand the member's question and value the role that the wine, beer and spirit sector play in our economy as well as in tourism attraction and retention.
Like other taxes and benefits, the alcohol excise duty rate is calculated automatically every year to account for inflation. This is the right approach. It provides stability and predictability for the industry, which is what they asked of us when we formed government. The increase is less than one-fifth of one penny per can of beer, and other specific measures are in place for wine and spirits.