Tobacco policy hell sets open season for black market
April 14, 2025 by independentaustralia.net
Tobacco policy hell sets open season for black market
Recent investigations by Four Corners and 60 Minutes detailed Australia's $5 billion illegal tobacco market controlled by criminal gangs. Increased taxes intended to reduce smoking have led to violent crime, with over 200 shops destroyed. The lucrative black market worsened health outcomes and decreased government revenue. Policymakers, like Professor Simon Chapman, have faced criticism for overlooking unintended consequences. The ban on vapes further fueled the black market. Experts advocate for realistic tobacco policies to combat crime and support harm reduction through safer alternatives like vaping. The rigid approach to vaping risks unsustainable outcomes. Declining legal sales point to the need for a reevaluation of Australia's tobacco policies.
12.50% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 14.80% of men are current smokers but only 10.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
