The Treasurer announced as part of the Budget on 8 May 2012 that the Government would reduce the inbound duty free allowance for cigarettes and tobacco for international travellers aged 18 years and over to 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of tobacco, effective from 1 September 2012.
Currently, when arriving in Australia, international travellers aged 18 years and over are able to bring in up to 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco free of duty.
A Regulation Impact Statement was required for this proposal but the Prime Minister granted an exemption on the basis of exceptional circumstances. A post-implementation review will be required within 1 to 2 years of its implementation.
I no longer live in Australia but as an Australian citizen I will be voting in the next election to ensure my vote is counted towards the removal of this nanny state government. i am finding it very difficult warching my country of birth being dictated to by zealots.
After voting Labour all my adult life… this is yet another reason why I will be joining the droves that vote the Federal Labour Party out of office , next federal election. Steve Fitzsimmons.