Greens' spokesperson for health, Senator Richard Di Natale, said today that he was pleased to see that both old parties are considering joining the Greens' position of moving to abolish duty-free cigarettes.
"The availability of duty-free cigarettes and cigars at airports is a gaping hole in our nation's approach to tobacco control," said Senator Di Natale.
"The Greens have argued for some time that the we need to stop sending mixed messages on tobacco and end the duty-free concession. It was also a recommendation of the Henry Tax Review.
"It makes no sense for the Government to be subsidising cheap tobacco to the tune of approximately $270 million a year.
"Ending the concession would not only be good for the budget bottom line but would reduce the availability of cheap tobacco.
"Before entering Parliament I was a GP and I saw many patients who suffered greatly because of their addiction to cigarettes. Tobacco kills and devastates families.
"We must end all incentives to smoke, especially subsidies like this one which make it cheaper."
Media contact: Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600