NSW Premier Chris Minns has criticized the federal government’s tobacco tax, claiming it is driving law-abiding citizens into the black market, and called for a reassessment of the tobacco excise due to declining revenue. He pointed out the rise of illicit tobacco sales in NSW, with approximately 19,500 tobacco stores now operating and suggested that police resources may need to be redirected to combat this issue. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has ruled out changing the excise, while the opposition accuses Minns of inaction amid escalating illegal tobacco trade.
