b'COOPERS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Brewers Association of AustraliaBREWERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA - CEO JOHN PRESTONOver the past year, the Brewers Association ofIn November 2022, on National Agriculture Day, Australia has continued to press the case for awe launched our Economic Contribution Report, reduction in beer tax whilst also getting the messagewhich highlighted, in particular, the $500 million-out there about the enormous contribution thatworth of barley and hops the Australian brewing brewing makes to our economy. sector sources each year from Australian farmers, and the 3,000 jobs in the agriculture sector this The Brewers Association has worked hard to ensuresupports. The launch received extremely positive that the new Federal Labor Government, electedmedia coverage and was endorsed by the National in May 2022, and particularly Treasurer ChalmersFarmers Federation and GrainGrowers Australia.understands that Australia has one of the highest beer tax rates in the world, and that this hurts beerIn February 2023 we supported the launch of the drinkers and damages our brewing industry and theParliamentary Friends of Beer Group, which is pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants for whom beer isco-chaired by Alison Byrnes MP and Sam Birrell an anchor product.MP. The objective of the group is to bring together Federal MPs from all sides of politics to learn As part of our efforts on tax, we have worked tomore about the brewing sector and support our increase public awareness when the tax rates goindustry. The group was launched with an event at up every February and August. I am confident thatParliament House in Canberra, and was extremely the media coverage we have secured, highlightingwell attended.the impact of the tax, will have been noticed by decision makers in Canberra. Once again, I would like to thank Dr Tim Cooper for all his support as Chair of the Another key priority for the Association has beenBrewers Association, and Louise Cooper for her raising the awareness of the contribution thatparticipation as a key member of our Regulatory brewing and beer makes to the Australian economy.Affairs Committee. Id also like to thank Nick Sterenberg for his ongoing leadership of our Technical Committee and the invaluable advice and assistance he provides.John PrestonChief Executive OfficerBrewers Association of Australia51'