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

Public health experts have raised alarm over the Coalition’s plan to cut tobacco excise by 80% in an attempt to combat the illicit tobacco trade. Photograph: Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images

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.

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.