If only this Government loved us the way they love big tobacco

A tobacco product tax cut slated for one year has been extended by two

The tax break for Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) made by Phillip Morris has been extended for an extra two years.

In July 2024, the government cut the tax on HTPs in half, in what it said would be a one-year trial subject to an evaluation.

But NZ First Associate Health Minister Casey Costello told RNZ the evaluation would now be done in July 2027 and the reduced tax rate would apply to HTPs at least until then.

Labour’s health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said the extension of the tax cut was striking, given the strain on the health system.

“This government has the wrong priorities. It is giving tax breaks to tobacco companies now valued at over $300 million and the evaluation they promised, to check that it was helpful, is a total sham.”

$300Million for Tobacco?

While you struggle to feed yourself and your whanau.

While 28 000 jobs are lost and 70 000 Kiwis flee to Australia.

When homelessness is exploding, when 600 000 Kiwis need food banks each month, when all that is happening and the Government’s response is ‘we don’t have the money’, remember they gave Big Tobacco $300 fucking million!

If only this Government loved us the people the way they love big tobacco

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