Smokers slugged extra as of today due to excise increase
CIGARETTES were already expensive, but as of today they will cost even more.
The national tobacco tax excise increased by 12.5 % today and will see smokers pay an extra $1.52 for a pack of 25 and $3.05 for a pack of 50.
It is part of a push to decrease the rate of smoking throughout our community, and according to Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift, it works.
"Many Australians cut back on their habit or quit altogether, in response to the tobacco hikes each year," Ms Clift said.
"Research shows the tobacco excise increase in 2010 caused smoking rates to decline by about 11%."
Smoking rates in Australia have decreased significantly in recent years, with the rate of adults regularly lighting up down to 13.3% as of 2013.
According to support organisation Quit, the rate of adult smokers has halved since 1980.
Reader poll
Will the excise increase encourage you to quit smoking?
This poll ended on 04 September 2015.
Current Results
Yes! It's a habit that is now just too expensive.
12%
No! This won't make me quit.
75%
Maybe. It might be the push I need to quit for good.
12%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
