The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania, have all passed legislation prohibiting the display of tobacco products, with implementation due in phases between 2010 and 2013. A Federal government appointed taskforce recommends that display be prohibited in all states and territories.
General
There are currently approximately 35,000 retailers selling cigarettes in Australia and in 2008, the cigarette market was estimated to be 22.6 billion units; a decline of 18% since 1998. A recommended retail price for a leading brand of 30 cigarettes is AUD$13.50. of which approximately 65% is tax. Read more
Legislation
Legislation is already in place that bans point of sale advertising in 5 Australian states. Recently a federal government appointed taskforce issued a report recommending that display be prohibited in all states and territories. Read more
Illicit Trade
In recent years there has been a substantial increase in the number of illegal tobacco products imported into Australia. Read more
Media
"Right in the middle of Australia's biggest city, you can walk into a shop and buy an illegal packet of under-the-counter cigarettes for $7"
The Australian, July 4 2009
Read more
Australian Reports and Studies
PWC Study – 2007
Illegal tobacco trade: Costing Australia millions. Strategies to curb the supply and use of illegal tobacco products.
The report into the Australian illegal tobacco trade estimated that 1.8 million kilograms of illegal tobacco was in circulation in 2007. This represents approximately $450 million in lost tax revenue for the Government.
Click here for the full report
Deloitte Study – 2009
Australian Association of Convenience Stores
Indicative regulatory cost analysis of proposed tobacco retail display ban for convenience store operators in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.
The survey looks at the potential economic impacts of a tobacco product display ban for retailers highlighting increased transaction times, a channel shift from small to larger retailers and increased operating costs which could be as high as AUS$19,560 per store.
Click here for the full report