Why the tobacco tax is lighting up Australian politics - podcast
News Source
β’Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:00:43 GMT
π° What Happened
A new episode of the Full Story podcast looks at Australia's tobacco tax fight. Smoking rates in Australia are the lowest ever recorded. At the same time, the illegal tobacco trade has never been bigger. Experts estimate about 80% of tobacco sold now comes from the black market.
One Nation and the Coalition both want to cut the tobacco excise. They say lower taxes are the only way to stop organised crime. Reporter Henry Belot explains why the tobacco lobby wants to influence the debate.
π The Backstory
Australia once led the world with high tobacco taxes and plain packaging. Those policies helped cut smoking dramatically. But high prices also created a huge black market that criminals control.
Now politicians argue about whether tax cuts would fix crime or just make smoking popular again. The tobacco industry sees a chance to change the rules. The podcast digs into who is pushing for reform and why.
π― Why It Matters
Cigarette taxes affect prices, public health and crime at the same time. Any change could mean cheaper smokes or a bigger black market. The debate decides how Australia balances health goals with fighting organised crime.
A new episode of the Full Story podcast looks at Australia's tobacco tax fight. Smoking rates in Australia are the lowest ever recorded. At the same time, the illegal tobacco trade has never been bigger. Experts estimate about 80% of tobacco sold now comes from the black market.
One Nation and the Coalition both want to cut the tobacco excise. They say lower taxes are the only way to stop organised crime. Reporter Henry Belot explains why the tobacco lobby wants to influence the debate.
Australia once led the world with high tobacco taxes and plain packaging. Those policies helped cut smoking dramatically. But high prices also created a huge black market that criminals control.
Now politicians argue about whether tax cuts would fix crime or just make smoking popular again. The tobacco industry sees a chance to change the rules. The podcast digs into who is pushing for reform and why.
Cigarette taxes affect prices, public health and crime at the same time. Any change could mean cheaper smokes or a bigger black market. The debate decides how Australia balances health goals with fighting organised crime.