http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25206278-421,00.html
Well well.....Alcopops price to drop after tax defeat
PRE-MIXED drinks will be cheaper within weeks after the Rudd Government's alcopops tax was defeated today.
The legislation was defeated 32 votes to 31 votes with Senator Steve Fielding voting with the Opposition.
The Family First leader held the balance of power after the Greens and independent Nick Xenophon sided with the Government.
Senator Fielding refused to back the 70 per cent tax hike on ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages because the Government wouldn't ban liquor advertising on television during daytime sporting broadcasts.
The Commonwealth has collected about $290 million from the tax since it was introduced by regulation in April last year. The Government expected the anti-binge drinking measure to raise $1.6 billion over four years.
The health minister's parliamentary secretary, Jan McLucas, said the defeat of the Bill was a very sad day for the health outcomes of all Australians, but particularly teenagers.