07/08/2026
We know we aren't the only pub receiving emails like this again from all of our suppliers.
What hurts the most about fuel surcharge increases is that the little guy often has to absorb the extra cost, while in this example, the big dogs continue to make hundreds of millions of dollars in operating profits.
The pub pays more, or you pay more for your beer.
While foreign owned corporations reap the benefits. On top of the twice yearly increases in alcohol taxes introduced in 1983 by the Hawke government.
While we won't pass on this increase to our guests, we hope people start to understand why family run, no gambling, pubs are at risk. As consumers, we're paying some of the highest rates for alcohol worldwide during a cost of living crisis affecting how people connect socially. At the end of the day, a closed pub means people out of jobs, and a flow on affect that damages communities.
It's time for some real and honest conversations with your local publican, because inevitably some of them won't be here in the future if something doesn't change.
❤️ Annabelle Cleeland MP Jess Wilson MP
