Minister gets history wrong on tobacco enforcement
October 20, 2026 by aap.com.au
Minister gets history wrong on tobacco enforcement
Australia’s tobacco enforcement debate has come under scrutiny after an AAP fact-check challenged claims that previous governments failed to invest in tackling illicit tobacco.
Although tobacco excise increased substantially under the former Coalition government, funding was also allocated to enforcement programmes, including the Illicit Tobacco Taskforce. Spending on anti-smoking advertising, however, was reduced.
The findings highlight the importance of accuracy and accountability in tobacco policy. Addressing illicit trade requires more than political claims or higher taxes; it calls for effective enforcement, smoking cessation support and a broader focus on reducing tobacco-related harm.
7.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 1.8 million current smokers in Australia.
SOURCE: GSTHR
