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Smokers might feel more pain

Posted by: Luca Gonano for 3AW.com.au | 6 July, 2009 - 9:26 AM
The federal government is examining whether a significant increase in the price of cigarettes is a viable option in the battle to stop smokers smoking.

The National Preventative Health Taskforce has suggested an increase in the tax on cigarettes to more than $20 a packet and a move to plain packaging might be the answer to reducing smoking rates.

The taskforce has called on the government to cut smoking rates over the next decade to 9 per cent.

Figures put forward believe a tax increase to dissuade 306,000 adults from smoking and in turn prevent 183,000 children eventually taking up the habit.

Smokers, what do you think? Would the tax increases be fair?

Blog comments Your Say

  • It so unfair!!!

    seka Tuesday 7 July, 2009 - 7:52 PM
  • Fascism in the making.Political correctness, and control seems, where we are headed...freedom of choice is a dieing breed!
    I guess Something needs to pay for our broke economy and Rudd's frequent Flyer program.
    Tax beer and Petrol again next week, its a revenue bonanza!!!

    Ben Tuesday 7 July, 2009 - 7:31 PM
  • I've been given up for about 9 weeks I'm using the patches today i started on the 3rd step patch which is the last stage, i'm discusted the last stage of my quit program is more expencive then the first 2 stages.Someone should look into this as some people may just stop there program because they cant afford to finish it and probably start smoking again.

    michelle Tuesday 7 July, 2009 - 5:11 PM
  • I am a smoker and am battling to quit this filthy, expensive and potentally deadly habit.

    I beleive that raising to cost of smokes is a fantastic deterant.

    Naomi Tuesday 7 July, 2009 - 2:10 PM
  • The government has no place directing peoples personal choice behaviours. I agree with the previous comment this is a well disguised tax grab. This is an infringement on peoples right to make decisions in their personal life. Bring out the freedom fighters. Less government intervention and more anarchy.

    Josh Tuesday 7 July, 2009 - 1:05 PM
  • The only reason that the government would increase the tax is another money grab. I am a non-smoker but am not fooled by their cunning disguised tax.

    sandy Monday 6 July, 2009 - 5:08 PM

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