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

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...