Domestic sales of Australian-produced wine have continued to increase and reached a record 370 million litres in the 12 months to December 1999. This equates to two dozen standard bottles for each of the country's 19 million inhabitants. Consumption of imported wine was less than seven per cent of this figure. Table wines made up 81 per cent of consumption of local wines, with sparkling wines accounting for nine per cent and fortified wines seven per cent. Regulation, structure and research Australia maintains national standards for wine which are administered by State and Territory governments.
Federal regulations focus on quality control.
Policy issues are the province of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry . The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation promotes and controls the export of grape products including wines. The Australian Wine Export Council is a committee of the corporation. A number of Australian universities and other tertiary education institutions offer courses in viticulture and oenology. The peak industry body representing the interests of Australia's winemakers is the Winemakers Federation of Australia.