The Opposition Leader said that the Coalition’s “natural disposition” was to support anything that would reduce the harm associated with drug and alcohol abuse. “But having examined the evidence which led to this particular budget initiative, we have made a decision that we will not be supporting the excise increase,” he said today.

The Coalition will vote against a number of budget measures when they go before the Senate later this year. The Government will then need the votes of five Greens senators, Independent Senator Nick Xenophon and Family First Senator Steve Fielding to pass its legislation.