Coalition plan to cut tobacco excise by 80% ‘will kill people’ Labor says amid public health alarm
Summary
The Australian Coalition government plans to cut tobacco excise taxes by 80% to fight illegal cigarette sales. Public health experts, the Australian Medical Association, and the Labor party oppose the plan, saying it could increase smoking and harm public health.Key Facts
- The excise on a pack of 20 cigarettes would drop from about $30 to $6 under the plan.
- The government would spend $200 million to boost law enforcement against illegal tobacco sales.
- The plan also includes legalizing and regulating vapes and nicotine pouches.
- Parliamentary Budget Office estimates the policy could add $8 billion in revenue over four years.
- Public health experts and WHO advise that higher tobacco taxes reduce smoking and health problems.
- Labor says cutting excise would raise smoking rates, especially among young and disadvantaged people.
- Australian Medical Association warns the cut undermines decades of anti-smoking efforts.
- Some economists and former officials support the excise cut, believing strong law enforcement and economic force can reduce the illegal market.
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