24 JULY 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

With anti-smoking activists and even the Acting Prime Minister doubtful about whether it’s a good idea to keep hiking tobacco tax, Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa needs to take quick action to pause the scheduled hikes before January 1, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “The Acting Prime Minister rightly identifies tobacco tax as a driver of crime against shop owners, and even anti-smoking group ASH this morning admitted tax hikes haven’t brought the expected reduction in smoking rates and are calling for a breather. This is a stunning turnaround from ASH, who until recently were the key proponents of punitive tobacco tax.”

“The shifting consensus on tobacco tax echoes the findings of our recent report on the subject, which also outlined the significant financial harm the taxes deal to some of the poorest communities.”

“The political and academic consensus on tobacco taxes has completely shifted, and it’s time the Government’s policy approach did the same. Whether or not Ms Salesa proceeds with further tax hikes is her first real test as a Minister. She is currently conducting a review of tobacco policies, but if this is not complete by January 1 when the next tax hike is due, she must at the very least hit pause on the current programme of hikes.”

ENDS

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