Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy cigarettes. A standard pack now costs around $60, and it's a price most smokers aren’t willing to pay. But that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped buying them altogether. New data estimates around 80% of cigarettes and nicotine products consumed last year were purchased on the black market, with organised crime undercutting the government by $30 a pack. And despite decades of taxes and education campaigns, overall nicotine consumption has surged. So what's actually going on? Today we unpack Australia's rapidly growing illegal tobacco industry.

Hosts: Billi FitzSimons and Emma Gillespie
Producer: Rosa Bowden

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Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy cigarettes. A standard pack now costs around $60, and it's a price most smokers aren&rsquo;t willing to pay. But that doesn&rsquo;t mean they&rsquo;ve stopped buying them altogether. New data estimates around 80% of cigarettes and nicotine products consumed last year were purchased on the black market, with organised crime undercutting the government by $30 a pack. And despite decades of taxes and education campaigns, overall nicotine consumption has surged. So what's actually going on? Today we unpack Australia's rapidly growing illegal tobacco industry.
Hosts: Billi FitzSimons and Emma Gillespie Producer: Rosa Bowden
Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click &lsquo;follow&rsquo; on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful.
The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent.
Want more from TDA? <a href="https://thedailyaus.com.au/newsletter/">Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletter</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thedailyaus">Subscribe to The Daily Aus&rsquo; YouTube Channel</a>
Have feedback for us? We&rsquo;re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you&rsquo;ve got feedback, we&rsquo;re all ears.&nbsp;<a href="https://thedailyaus.typeform.com/to/D0EhJI4S">Tell us here</a>.

This is a daily news podcast for young people in Australia. Join The Daily Aus team every weekday morning as we cover the news in your language. We’re a newsroom of young journalists, delivering news for young people.

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This is a daily news podcast that breaks down issues important to young people in Australia.