Costello releases 'independent advice' on heated tobacco decisions
October 04, 2024 by 1news.co.nz
Costello releases 'independent advice' on heated tobacco decisions
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon disagree on a tax break for Philip Morris' heated tobacco product. Costello's plan to shift smokers to heated products was impacted by regulations on vaping devices. Luxon is not familiar with the products but supports childproofing smoking alternatives. Costello and Luxon clash on whether the tax cut benefits Philip Morris. Costello released five documents of purported independent advice on heated tobacco. Treasury warns of potential health risks and uncertain impacts of the tax break. Various studies on smoking alternatives and industry tactics are highlighted.
8.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 444,279 current smokers in New Zealand.
SOURCE: GSTHR