Lung Foundation Australia has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Federal Government’s tobacco excise, describing it as a vital step toward protecting public health.
While progress is being made, Lung Foundation Australia warns that enforcement must remain front and centre.
“Enforcement is where the battle is won or lost,” said Mark Brooke, CEO of Lung Foundation Australia. “We need coordinated efforts across all levels of government to ensure that illegal tobacco operations are shut down and public health is prioritised.”
Lung Foundation Australia is calling on State and Territory governments to tighten their licensing regimes, and to invest in enforcement strategies that target the criminal element behind illegal trade in tobacco distribution.
“Public health must not be compromised by criminal profiteering. We need to continue a national approach that holds unlawful distributors accountable and protects Australians from the harms of tobacco,” he said.
“Let’s be clear, this is not a victimless crime,” Brooke continued. “Unlawful distributors are not acting in the interest of public health or people addicted to smoking. They won’t stop simply because tobacco is cheaper. Their blatant disregard for the law demands a robust and unified response.”
“In addition to enforcement we urge Government to put a freeze on new retail licences and commit to reducing the number of tobacco retail outlets by half by 2028.”
The economic burden of tobacco far exceeds the revenue generated from excise. The current revenue for the government from the excise is estimated at $7.4 billion. In 2021, the cost of tobacco and nicotine addiction was estimated at $35.8 billion. This figure accounts for productivity losses, healthcare costs, expenditure on tobacco by people who smoke and the value of lost life.
“There is no healthy amount to smoke or vape. Looking at ways you can stop smoking is one of the best ways to play a part in stopping the illegal tobacco trade. There is support available if you are ready to quit,” Brooke said.
Lung Foundation Australia encourage Australians who are ready to start their quit journey to call Quitline on 13 7848 or request a call back.
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