Afternoon Update: Coalition tobacco plan lambasted, Queensland coal project approved by new EPA, and EVs v holidays
Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Leading public health experts, the Australian Medical Association and Labor have rejected Angus Taylor’s plan to cut tobacco excise by 80%, labelling the move to curb soaring illegal cigarette sales as a backward step on tobacco control.…
Public health officials, including the Australian Medical Association and the Labor Party, have criticized Queensland's new plan to slash tobacco taxes by 80%. The coalition government's initiative, aimed at reducing illicit tobacco sales, has been deemed a step backwards by these experts. Graphic evidence emerged from the trial of Molly Ticehurst's assailant, who, upon being questioned, said, "I can't believe I just did that."
Meanwhile, the Dutch central bank has moved a significant amount of gold - 86 tonnes - from the United States and Canada to the United Kingdom, citing "geopolitical unrest" as the reason for the transfer. This development comes amid growing concerns over the stability of gold reserves in various countries.
In tragic news from Queensland, a six-year-old boy passed away from scurvy, despite long-standing concerns about his diet. The Queensland coroner has ruled on the case, shedding light on the child's health issues. The government has responded to a recent spate of gang violence in Sydney, with the police minister denying claims of "out of control" gang activity after two shootings in two days.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian Australia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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