Live: Coalition unveils plan to slash tobacco tax by 80 per cent
The plan would reduce the excise on a standard packet of 20 cigarettes from around $30 to around $6. Follow live.
The Coalition has pledged to drastically reduce the tobacco excise by 80%, aiming to dismantle the illicit tobacco market. Additionally, they intend to legalize, regulate, and tax vapes and nicotine pouches for adult use. The One Nation party plans an 80% excise reduction, while Labor contends that a significant tax cut would not eliminate the black market.
The Coalition's proposal includes slashing the excise on cigarettes from around $30 to as low as $6, effectively crippling the illicit trade. Public health experts warn that lowering the excise might not curb tobacco consumption. The Party also plans a $60 million, three-year campaign to educate Australians about the dangers of illicit tobacco and vapes, and a $200 million investment in bolstering law enforcement efforts to target illegal tobacco shops.
The Coalition forecasts the policy could boost tax revenue by around $8 billion within the first four years.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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