Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon has supported Malcolm Turnbull’s suggestion to increase tobacco taxes, but claims he is sending out mixed signals.
Turnbull suggested 12.5 percent increase in the tobacco excise, equating to a tax of 3 cents per cigarette, a measure Ms Roxon claims “might be a good idea.”
“I certainly agree that tax measures can have a health impact…of course that can apply to tobacco.”
However she has argued that the Opposition have been inconsistent by blocking tax increases on pre-mixed alcoholic drinks and then suggesting a tax increase on tobacco.
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