Pauline Hanson Pledges to Halve Cigarette Costs, Cutting Nearly $30 Off Each Pack

Pauline Hanson has unveiled a bold plan to

Pauline Hanson has unveiled a bold plan to dramatically reduce the price of cigarettes, arguing that steep government taxes have fueled an underground trade. The One Nation leader proposes slashing the cost of a typical pack by close to $30, a move she insists would curb black market activity and ease financial pressure on smokers.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Hanson blamed successive governments for pricing legal tobacco out of reach for many Australians. She claimed that excessive excise duties have driven consumers toward illegal suppliers, who operate outside health regulations and avoid paying any tax at all. By halving the retail price, she believes the legal market would become competitive again, undercutting criminal networks.

The policy would see a standard 20-pack fall from roughly $60 to around $30, a reduction of nearly 50 percent. Hanson argues that such a change would not only reduce crime but also allow authorities to better monitor sales and enforce age restrictions. She dismissed concerns that cheaper cigarettes would encourage more smoking, pointing to countries with lower prices and similar health outcomes.

Health experts have reacted with alarm, warning that

Health experts have reacted with alarm, warning that price cuts typically lead to higher consumption, especially among younger Australians. The Australian Medical Association called the proposal 'reckless' and 'a step backward' in tobacco control, noting that rising costs have been a key factor in falling smoking rates over the past decade.

Hanson, however, remains defiant, framing the issue as one of personal choice and fairness. She criticized what she called 'nanny state' policies that penalize low-income families who smoke, arguing that many are forced to choose between food and cigarettes. The proposal is part of a broader platform focusing on reducing living costs ahead of the next federal election.

Political analysts say the move is likely to resonate with some voters in regional areas, where smoking rates are higher and black market tobacco is more prevalent. But with little support from major parties, the plan's chances of becoming law appear slim. Still, Hanson's promise has reignited debate over how Australia balances public health goals with economic realities.