New Zealand winemakers could end up paying more money to be part of the Australian market once a tax review by the Australian government is completed.
New Zealand wine Photo: AFP
The review of the Wine Equalisation Tax is a result of lobbying from the Winemakers' Federation of Australia.
Last year Australian wine label Wolf Blass said New Zealand companies claimed about $25 million in rebates.
Federation chief executive Paul Evans wants New Zealand winemakers subject to the same terms and conditions as Australian producers.
He said at the moment, they enjoyed administrative and compliance advantages, equating to thousands of dollars in lower costs.
"That's not a level playing field.
"Comparatively sized wine businesses from New Zealand have a $100,000 head-start on their local competitors and that's what we're seeking to redress."
Mr Evans said the reforms were not about discrimination.
