NSW Premier's Bold Move: Cut Tobacco Taxes to Fight Illegal Trade?

NSW Premier Calls for Tobacco Tax Cut to Combat Illegal Trade Sydney, Australia – NSW Premier Chris Minns has ignited a debate by proposing a reduction in tobacco taxes. His rationale centers on freeing up NSW Police resources currently dedicated to cracking down on the thriving illegal tobacco market. This move comes after a dramatic $7 billion fall in tobacco excise revenue, a significant portion attributed to the illicit trade. "I'm not arguing with the public health benefits of putting an excise on tobacco," Minns stated in a recent press conference, "but the massive increase has exploded the illicit tobacco marketplace." The video accompanying this proposal shows police raids targeting illegal tobacco operations, vividly illustrating the scale of the problem. The Premier's suggestion is controversial. While some support reallocating police resources to more serious crimes, others worry about the potential public health consequences of lower tobacco taxes. The debate highlights the complex interplay between public health policy, law enforcement, and revenue generation.