Coalition walks away after decades of bipartisanship in tobacco control policy
Public Health Association of Australia
The Public Health Association of Australia is alarmed at Coalition and One Nation proposals which risk increasing the uptake of nicotine addiction by children and slowing rates of quitting by adults.
Australia has been winning the long fight to bring down nicotine addiction, with daily smoking prevalence down to 5.6 per cent by 2025, and regular vaping use stabilising after a decade of growth at 3.6 per cent.
Australia does not have a counter sales tax on tobacco products, only a customs duty. The proposed 80 per cent tax cut for international tobacco companies that import tobacco products into Australia means any cut to the import tax will only boost the profits of tobacco companies, with no change to tobacco prices – unless these companies choose to pass on the cut rather than building up their profits.
There is no evidence an 80 per cent cut will eliminate the illegal market. It won’t raise revenue, and won’t fight nicotine addiction. If tobacco importers did lower their product prices, and the criminal sector followed suit, the result could be disastrous.
The costs of tobacco go well beyond the price of the packet: illness, medications, hospital appointments, time away from work, burdensome caring responsibilities, lost income, and – tragically - premature death. Those costs are carried by families, communities and our health system.
Reducing tax risks deepening inequities. At a time when we rightly focus on housing and the cost of living, we should remember that health is absolutely essential to a good quality life.
90 per cent of nicotine addiction begins before the age of 18.
Young Australians are well aware of the health risks of nicotine addiction, and over 90 per cent of them reject it — but price and policy settings can influence uptake and shape social norms. Young people don’t need to be betrayed by political leaders surrendering to tobacco industry interests. Parents should not be betrayed in their daily attempts to protect their kids.
PHAA continues to call on all Australian politicians to put first and foremost the health and safety of Australia’s young people.
PHAA also calls on all political parties to refuse to take donations from tobacco industry interests.
Read the PHAA policy on tobacco control
For further information/comment:
Dr Stephen Owen (he/him), PHAA Communications Officer, 0400169787, [email protected]
About us:
About the Public Health Association of Australia
We’re Australia's peak body for public health and advocate for the health and wellbeing of everyone. We strive to help prevent – rather than cure – illness and disease. We represent around 2,000 individual members from more than 40 professional groups interested in the promotion of public health. We have branches in every state and territory. Learn more at https://www.phaa.net.au/
Contact details:
Dr Stephen Owen (he/him), PHAA Communications Officer, 0400169787, [email protected]