The Australian government has announced a new round of tobacco tax increases as it introduces strong measures to reduce the number of people smoking and vaping.
During a speech at the National Press Club on May 2, Health Minister Mark Butler announced that from this September, the federal government would lift tobacco tax by five percent a year over the next three years.
The same tax rate will apply to other loose-leaf tobacco products, such as roll-your-own tobacco.
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia,” he said.
“A higher-priced cigarette is a more unattractive cigarette.”
The federal government said the changes would make tobacco less affordable, which was in line with the priorities of the National Tobacco Strategy 2023-2030….