Australia: Cigarette Tax Hits the Most Disadvantaged Hardest

Source from:  The Transcontinental  09/10/2014

Experts are concerned the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our community will be hit the hardest by the latest jump in cigarette taxes.

The excise on cigarettes rose by a hefty 13.7 per cent on Monday, September 1, the second of four increases in as many years imposed by the former federal Labor government.

Last week's increase means the price of cigarettes for casual smokers is fast approaching $1 a stick.

Industry experts say it will now cost close to $7,000 a year to smoke a pack a day; with a pack of 20 now costing beyond $20 and over $30 for a pack of 40.

The idea is, of course, that the increasing expense of buying cigarettes will discourage people from smoking altogether.

But just how realistic is this approach in areas of high disadvantage such as Port Augusta?

Australian Association of Smoking Cessation Professionals vice president Colin Mendelsohn believes those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and indigenous populations are just some who will be hit the hardest.

He said disadvantaged groups have higher smoking rates and often find it much harder to quit because they are more nicotine-dependent.

"It's not a question of choice, it's not just 'you should stop', it's not that simple - it's an addiction which can be very difficult to break," he explained.

Dr Mendehlson said when cigarette taxes rise some people in lower socio-economic groups will quit, but the great majority won't.

"The outcome for these groups is that they're often doubly disadvantaged," he said.

"Continuing smokers continually smoke and pay the extra burden of an extra tax rise...it can trap them further into poverty, so they end up having even less money for good food and accommodation.

"Local 'Smoke-Free' ambassador and ex-smoker June Lennon echoed similar concerns, suggesting disadvantaged people who choose to smoke cigarettes will continue to regardless of price.

"It's not going to stop them, let's be frank," she said.

"It doesn't seem to be encouraging anyone to stop."

Ms Lennon feels the solution lies in informing and educating the community through programs such as the recent 'Let's Stop the Smoke Cycle' campaign.

"Educating people to stop smoking [is better], because I think if they're fully informed, you've got more chance of them looking at it in that light," she explained.

However, statistics show the proportion of smokers in Australia is slowly decreasing.

Bureau of Statistics data points to a slump in the first three months of this year, taking consumption to the lowest level on record.

Labor announced a series of increases mid-last year, with the first of 12.5 per cent set in December 2013 followed by three more on September 1 over the next three years.

The excise on a pack of 20 now sits at $9.25 (previously $8.13), and at $18.51 for a 40-pack (up from $16.26). Enditem