Chalmers says cheaper cigarettes will not solve illegal tobacco boom, dismissing NSW premier

Minns to propose cut at next health ministers' meeting, joining Victorian government in blaming high excise for organised crime spike

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Jim Chalmers says making cigarettes cheaper will not solve the booming trade in illegal tobacco, dismissing the call by the New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, to slash taxes on smoking.

Minns joined Victoria's state government in blaming the high tobacco excise for a spike in organised crime that has led to arson attacks on businesses and stretched police resources.

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