• March 29, 2024

Cigarettes now priced at more than A$1 each

Smokers buying their cigarettes in Queensland, Australia, are from today having to pay up to $3.05 more for a pack of 50, according to a story in the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin.

In the case of some cigarettes, the retail price of a single cigarette is now more than A$1.

The latest national tobacco excise increase of 12.5 per cent, effective today, will see smokers paying an extra $1.52 in tax for a pack of 25 and up to $3.05 for a pack of 50.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift was quoted as saying that tobacco tax increases had proven to be the most effective measure in reducing smoking rates.

“Many Australians cut back on their habit or quit altogether, in response to the tobacco tax hikes each year,” Clift was quoted as saying, though it was not clear whether she believed that cutting back offered a health benefit.

“Research shows the tobacco excise increase in 2010 caused smoking rates to decline by about 11 per cent.

“Evidence also indicates that a tax increase on cigarettes is particularly effective among people on lower incomes and young people across Australia…”