Smokers Warned to Stock up Before Friday

29 DECEMBER 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Taxpayers’ Union is reminding smokers to stock up before the Government’s 10% hike in tobacco excise tax which comes into effect on New Year’s Day.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says:

“From Friday, a 20 pack of cigarettes retailing for $20 will include around $16 of tax. According to public health experts the tax is already more than three times the cost to the health system of smoking.”

“No one would argue against smokers being taxed to cover the cost of their habit. But hiking taxes, when the rate already covers the costs three times over, makes a complete mockery of the National Party’s election promise not to increase taxes.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media