Coalition plan to cut tobacco excise by 80% ‘will kill people,’ Labor says amid public health alarm

Australian Nationals leader Angus Taylor and fellow MP Matt Canavan have unveiled a bold proposal to slash tobacco excise by 80 % and legalise vaping products, arguing the move will curb the growing illicit cigarette market. The plan has drawn sharp criticism from public health groups, the Australian Medical Association and the Labor Party, who see it as a step backward for tobacco control. Taylor’s announcement follows a similar 75 % cut suggested by One Nation’s Pauline Hanson, sparking a heated debate over how best to tackle illegal tobacco sales while protecting public health.

Angus Taylor and Matt Canavan claim drastic cut to price of cigarettes and moves to legalise vapes will combat illicit tobacco tradeFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLeading 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.Taylor and the Nationals leader, Matt Canavan, on Thursday announced plans for an 80% cut to excise, as well as moves to legalise and regulate vapes and nicotine pouches. The announcement comes weeks after the One Nation leader, Pauline Hanson, proposed a 75% cut. Continue reading...