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Story summary
- Australia’s black-market tobacco supplies four-fifths of nicotine, with the Bureau of Statistics saying 80 % of cigarettes consumed in 2025 were illegal.
- Excise taxes have tripled since 2016, raising legal packs above $50 while illicit packs sell for $25.
- The surge created a $6.9 billion revenue shortfall and an $8 billion excise downgrade over five years.
- New laws impose fines up to $370,000 and 15 years jail for landlords and sellers of illegal tobacco.
