Smoking tax 'would be cash grab' - ABC News
"They haven't done it for health reasons, they haven't suggested this measure for health outcomes, they've only suggested it because they are desperate for cash."
Mr Dutton says if the Government raises the excise on tobacco it would be similar to its alcopops tax.
"We've advocated since we've been in Opposition that the excise on tobacco should go up further," he said.
"But this Government is not about addressing health issues, we saw that with alcopops, we saw it with their private health insurance changes.
"This is a Government that is desperately trying to jack up taxes because they don't have the means to pay for their spending."
Desperate for $$$ indeed!
This is hypocritical.
I am completely tired of listening to the rhetoric when it comes to the Alcohol and Tobacco taxation schemes.
It is NOT about health, it is NOT about helping those with either alcohol or tobacco issues - it is tantamount to extortion! Legal extortion!
If this, or any Government for that matter, was serious about dealing with the health issues related to alcohol and tobacco (and this is just one example!), they would not just increase excises, taxes and costs.
These are drugs. But they are legal. They are also addictive, some say moreso than some of the harder illicit drugs out there. So, why don't they do something more positive about it?
I am a smoker. I have that addiction. For me to undertake a process of giving up would likely need some level of help. My government is not interested in helping me. In fact they know I am addicted. They know I have a problem. So they know they can extort more and more money from me.
This is discrimination, extortion, plain and simple!
Chemical and other forms of support for stopping this addiction cost anywhere between $50 to hundreds of dollars per treatment. Alternatives are available outside of Australia, nicotine based solutions that provide a healthier alternative, and assist in those addicted not having the worst of the effects of cigarettes (as an example) - but, since there is no taxation benefit, these products remain illegal to retail in Australia. (google electronic cigarettes yourself - its there, plain and simple!).
If it was about HEALTH, they would help make this sort of support more available, more accessible. But its not. They don't want me to quit. I am their cash-cow.
Be grateful non-smokers! Without us fools you would NOT have a health system!
Sylvestor
ps. I am a smoker. I am addicted. I am happy to pay for my own health coverage as I already do. I am happy to invest in my own future health issues. Don't make me the cash-cow for YOUR health! Let ME be responsible for my own!
