Fed: 25 per cent tax increase on cigarettes from midnightl

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2010
Fed: 25 per cent tax increase on cigarettes from midnightl

The tax on cigarettes will rise by 25 per cent from midnight .. as part of the federal
government's crackdown on smoking.

The government will also force tobacco companies to use plain packaging from July 1, 2012.

A government statement says the changes will cut tobacco consumption by six per cent
and the number of smokers by two or three per cent .. or about 87 thousand Australians.

The 25 per cent tax increase will mean an increase of about two dollars 16 for a pack of 30.

Raising tobacco excise will generate an extra five billion dollars over four years
.. and the money will be directly invested in hospitals.

The government says the new legislation will prohibit logos .. brand imagery .. colours
.. and promotional text .. other than brand and product names in standard colour .. position
.. font style and size.

AAP RTV mdg/wjf/jlw

KEYWORD: TOBACCO TAX (SYDNEY)

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