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Illicit tobacco trade surges to 80% of Australian market
Published 2 weeks, 6 days ago
Description
New research shows tobacco consumption in Australia has increased by 40% over the last eight years, with 80% of the tobacco market now consisting of illicit products. The surge is attributed to Australia having the world's most expensive legal tobacco, costing pack-a-day smokers approximately $15,000 annually, which is generating an estimated $8.5 billion per year for organised crime. Professor James Martin from Deakin University argues that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem and advocates for substantial tobacco excise cuts and legalising regulated vapes as less harmful alternatives to cigarettes.
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