80% Tobacco Excise Cut Opposed by Experts

Experts have warned that the proposed 80% cut in tobacco excise in Australia could wind back the country's success in bringing down smoking rates. The Coalition's proposal includes funding an additional $200m for a law enforcement push to tackle illicit tobacco markets.

The proposed cut has been met with criticism from health experts, who argue that it is not the solution to tackling illicit tobacco markets. Prof Becky Freeman, a University of Sydney tobacco control expert, recommends enforcing existing laws to curb tobacco supply and targeting criminal supply chains. Dr Cheneal Puljevic, a health expert at the University of Queensland, suggests reducing tobacco demand by highlighting smoking harms and using the excise to make nicotine replacement therapy free.

The Coalition's proposal includes funding an additional $200m for a law enforcement push, which aims to take back market control from organised crime. Anne Ruston, the shadow health minister, stated that the combined package of the proposed excise cut and law enforcement push aims to put downward pressure on smoking rates. However, health experts have warned that the proposed 80% cut in tobacco excise could have the opposite effect.

## Why it matters The stakes are high, with an estimated 40,000 legal tobacco retailers around Australia. The proposed 80% cut in tobacco excise is similar to a policy used in Canada in the 1990s. Health experts have warned that it could wind back Australia's success in bringing down smoking rates, which have been declining in recent years. Instead, they recommend tougher enforcement and public health campaigns to tackle illicit tobacco markets.

The experts' warnings come as the Coalition's proposal is being considered. The outcome of this proposal will have significant implications for public health in Australia. As Prof Becky Freeman noted, enforcing existing laws and targeting criminal supply chains is crucial to curbing tobacco supply. The proposed 80% cut in tobacco excise may not be the solution to tackling illicit tobacco markets, and alternative approaches may be more effective in reducing smoking rates.

## What happens next The proposal will likely be debated further, with health experts and the Coalition's shadow health minister presenting their arguments. The outcome will depend on the decision made by the government, which will have significant implications for public health in Australia. As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of the proposed 80% cut in tobacco excise and alternative approaches to tackling illicit tobacco markets.