ONE NATION SAYS WHAT EVERYONE IS THINKING ABOUT TOBACCO EXCISE

One Nation says what everyone is thinking about tobacco excise.

The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has welcomed One Nation’s call to abolish tobacco excise, saying it is the first political party willing to openly acknowledge the role excessive taxation has played in creating Australia’s illicit tobacco crisis.

AACS CEO Theo Foukkare said while the Association has consistently advocated for a 50 per cent reduction in tobacco excise to begin restoring legal trade and starving organised crime of customers, One Nation deserves credit for saying what many politicians privately admit.

“Finally, a political party has said the quiet part out loud,” Mr Foukkare said.

“Whether you support a 50 per cent reduction, a complete abolition, or something in between, the reality is the same: Australia’s tobacco excise settings have failed.

“The Albanese Government has failed retailers, failed taxpayers, failed public health objectives and handed organised crime the business opportunity of a generation.”

Mr Foukkare said Australia now finds itself in the absurd position where criminal syndicates control a significant share of the tobacco market, while governments continue insisting the policy is working.

“When cigarettes become so expensive that millions of Australians simply switch to illicit products, organised crime becomes the biggest beneficiary,” Mr Foukkare said.

“Nearly 300 firebombings, multiple alleged murders, billions in lost revenue and a black market estimated to account for the majority of tobacco consumption should be enough evidence for any reasonable person to act on.

“One Nation is not alone in recognising the need for change, Senator Matt Canavan and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns have also publicly acknowledged tobacco excise needs to be reduced.

“The question now is whether Anthony Albanese and Angus Taylor are prepared to show similar leadership, as Australians deserve to know where both major parties stand, because enforcement alone cannot fix this.”

Mr Foukkare said the debate should no longer be about whether excise settings have contributed to the illicit tobacco market, but what should be done to fix the problem.

“The evidence is overwhelming.

The only question remaining is how much damage needs to occur before the major parties are willing to act,” Mr Foukkare said.

The only way to shut down the black market would be for the Federal Government to adopt the AACS five-point illicit tobacco plan.

1. Reduction in tobacco excise by 50 per cent
2. Retail regulated vape model (abandon failed pharmacy model
3. Single legislative framework adopted by all states and territories
4. Single enforcement body funded by the Commonwealth
5. closure of illegal websites
   

Theo Foukkare is available for interview 0423 003 133