Fed: Coalition says it's willing to negotiate a bit on alcopops

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2009
Fed: Coalition says it's willing to negotiate a bit on alcopops

The coalition says it remains willing to negotiate with the government on ways to reduce
binge drinking .. but won't support Labor's second bid to get an alcopops tax hike through
the Senate.

Shadow health minister PETER DUTTON says making a tax grab on just one alcoholic product
is not a serious way forward.

He's told ABC television the opposition wants to make sure the government doesn't try
to dress up the alcopops tax hike as a health measure.

The RUDD government plans to reintroduce legislation in May to raise the tax on alcopops
by 70 per cent.

The Senate rejected the tax rise last month .. when Family First's STEVE FIELDING sided
with the coalition against it.

AAP RTV mb/rt

KEYWORD: ALCOPOPS DUTTON (CANBERRA)

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.