Slashing tax on cigarettes will not lead to more smokers, Angus Taylor says
Australian Opposition Leader Angus Taylor argues that slashing tobacco taxes by 80% will not increase smoking rates, claiming it will instead undermine the black market. The government and experts remain skeptical, citing historical data from Canada where similar tax cuts initially led to increased consumption.
Why it matters
The debate pits public health policy against economic strategies for combating illicit trade and organized crime.
Angus Taylor says, "The price of cigarettes in this country is already down around $15 a pack or less." ( ABC News: Ian Cutmore )
The Coalition has argued its proposal to slash the tax on tobacco by 80 per cent will not create more smokers.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor says cheap cigarettes are already available on the black market, and reducing legal cigarette prices will stamp out the illicit trade.
Mr Taylor has warned the federal government that he will hold it accountable for tobacco-related crime, saying it could be fixed by cutting the excise.
Link copied Share Share article Opposition Leader Angus Taylor says slashing the tax on a pack of cigarettes by more than 20 dollars will not create more smokers, as the cost of illegal cigarettes is already at that price.
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