Coalition plan to cut tobacco excise by 80% ‘will kill people’ Labor says amid public health alarm

Angus Taylor and Matt Canavan claim drastic cut to price of cigarettes and moves to legalise vapes will combat illicit tobacco trade

Leading public health experts, the Australian Medical Association and Labor have rejected Angus Taylor’s plan to cut tobacco excise by 80%, labelling the move to curb soaring illegal cigarette sales as a backward step on tobacco control.

Taylor and Nationals leader Matt Canavan on Thursday announced plans for an 80% cut to excise, as well as moves to legalise and regulate vapes and nicotine pouches. The announcement comes weeks after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson proposed a 75% cut.