Live: Health academic raises concerns tobacco giant was allowed to push for excise cut in private
A public health academic has expressed concerns regarding a tobacco company's lobbying for a reduction in tobacco excise during a private parliamentary inquiry. The inquiry, which focused on black market tobacco, allowed Philip Morris to present its case behind closed doors. Critics argue that lowering the excise could negatively impact public health, particularly for smokers who are at high risk of serious health issues.
- ▪A cigarette giant was allowed to lobby for a cut to the tobacco excise in a private parliamentary inquiry.
- ▪Professor Becky Freeman criticized the private testimony, highlighting the health risks to smokers.
- ▪The inquiry's transcript reveals that the tobacco company argued a reduction in excise could reduce illicit tobacco sales.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
liveFederal politics live: Public health academic raises concerns about tobacco lobbying effortsBy political reporter Joshua BoscainiTopic:Government and PoliticsTue 19 May 2026 at 7:11amTue 19 May 2026 at 7:11amTue 19 May 2026 at 7:11amSkip to timelineabc.net.au/news/federal-politics-live-blog-tobacco-lobbying/106693958Link copiedShareShare articleA public health academic has raised concerns a tobacco giant was allowed to lobby for a cut to the tobacco excise in private.Follow all the updates in our live blog.Submit a comment or question Log in to commentLive updatesCollapse all postsoffSortSort posts Latest Select an optionLatestOldestTue 19 May 2026 at 7:11amTue 19 May 2026 at 7:11amFresh concerns over tobacco giant's private hearingLBy Lexie JeuniewicA leading public health academic…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).