Australian producers whine over tax rebates for Kiwis

Australian winemakers are fuming that their New Zealand counterparts receive $18 million in tax rebates funded by Australian taxpayers. As part of the Closer Economic Relations trade deal between the two countries, New Zealand winemakers are entitled to rebates from a system originally set up in 2004 to boost regional employment in Australia. The Australian Financial Review has reported that winemakers were expecting that following an overhaul of the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET), the rebates would end for New Zealand producers, who have up until now been claiming $25m a year.