Pauline Hanson proposes 75% tobacco price cut to combat organised crime and illegal cigarette trade
The last time prices were this low was in 2015, with averages surpassing $50 by 2026.
Hanson attributes rising crime rates, including illegal cigarettes and vapes sold to minors, to increased tobacco taxes and challenged Health Minister Mark Butler to respond.
“People are sick of firebombing, shootings, extortion and killings,” she stated, highlighting serious public safety concerns.
Cigarette price cuts
Statistics indicate that tax hikes have failed to curb consumption and have instead funded illicit markets.
Labor’s current policies are under scrutiny as 80 per cent of nicotine consumption in 2025 is reported from illegal sources.
Hanson argues tobacco excise policies are inadvertently supporting organised crime.
Her proposal includes a 75 per cent drop in tobacco excise, freezing indexation for three years, and stricter measures against criminal activities.
Victorian Police reported a staggering 193 tobacco-related arsons, with some related deaths attributable to these events.
Hanson’s stance aims to address the root of the issue rather than merely its symptoms.
Policing tobacco crimes
Reforming cigarette pricing may alter the landscape of organised crime in Australia.
Discussion surrounding these policy changes is ongoing among stakeholders.
Concerns about public health implications remain crucial in this debate.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions from various sectors within the community.
