Government Choosing Tax Revenue Over Lives

27 MAY 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Taxpayers’ Union says that the only justification for failure to legalise the sale of nicotine e-cigarettes is to protect tax revenue from the sale of traditional fags. In response to the Government’s passing of the Customs and Excise (Tobacco Products-Budget Measures) Amendment Bill this afternoon, the Union's Executive Director Jordan Williams says:

“While Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga cries crocodile tears about wanting to ‘save lives’ his Government continues to prevent the sale of the one alternative which, according to the UK Government research, is 95% less harmful. E-cigarettes are the number one tool used by smokers to kick the habit in Britain, but the Government has kept the sale of them illegal here.”

“Today’s legislated hikes in tobacco charges are projected to bring in $425 million – more than half the Government’s projected surplus next year. That’s off the back of a demographic that can least afford it and often live in poverty.”

"Winston Peters is right. These price increases will see kids go hungry.”

“The only thing more addictive than smoking cigarettes is this Government’s addiction to the excise tax revenue.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media