Tim Wilson says Australia repeats Prohibition-era mistakes with ‘maddening’ tobacco laws
High tobacco excise has created a booming black market for cigarettes, which could cost the budget $65 billion by 2030. But the shadow treasurer isn’t sure how to fix it.
Opposition treasury spokesman Tim Wilson has warned Australia is repeating the mistakes of Prohibition-era America on tobacco, but admits he does not know what tax settings would curb the booming illicit trade.
In his first address to the National Press Club since assuming the role, Wilson took aim at Australia’s “maddening” tobacco system, which he argued was helping organised crime to flourish and wiping billions from federal coffers.
The Albanese government has consistently ruled out lowering Australia’s high tobacco excise, which critics argue is driving consumers to cheap and untaxed cigarettes — often for as little as $10 per pack.
Wilson was unequivocal when asked whether he believed Australia was repeating the mistakes of Prohibition-era America, when an attempt to ban alcohol backfired.
