Episode Details

As debate rages over illegal tobacco, a jump in legal sales in Queensland could offer a model for other states.

Lauding Queensland's jump in legal tobacco sales might seem strange at a public health level but it's being seen as a sign of the success of the state's crackdown on illicit tobacco sellers. But some continue to call for the tobacco excise to be cut, with competing views on how to tackle illegal trade while reducing smoking rates.

In this episode:

• Why Queensland’s crackdown on illicit tobacco is being described as a success.
• The sales data that has prompted fresh debate over tobacco excise policy.
• Public health advocates push for bipartisan focus on reducing smoking rates.
• Victoria admits action on the illegal tobacco trade in the state should have come sooner.
• The competing arguments over whether cutting tobacco excise would help or harm public health.

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