NSW Premier Backs One Nation Push to Cut Tobacco Tax by 75 Percent

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns supports One Nation’s proposal to reduce tobacco taxes, stating he has advocated for a similar policy for a year. Minns argues that the current excise tax is counterproductive, making legal tobacco less accessible and fueling a large black market. He believes this illicit trade serves as a funding source for organized crime in New South Wales.

• NSW Premier Chris Minns backs One Nation’s call to lower tobacco taxes.
• Minns has personally supported reducing tobacco taxes for about a year.
• He argues that excise taxes are not effective in reducing smoking.
• The current tax policy drives consumers to illicit supplies and the black market.
• This black market is a source of funding for organized crime in NSW.