澳大利亚卫生部长称由高价格和犯罪驱动的非法烟草激增是公众健康的最大威胁。 Australia's health minister calls illicit tobacco surge—driven by high prices and crime—a top public health threat.

澳大利亚卫生部长马克·巴特勒(Mark Butler)承认非法烟草剧增, 认为这是该国最大的公共卫生威胁, Australia's Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged a severe surge in illicit tobacco, calling it the nation's top public health threat, despite rising cigarette prices due to excise hikes. 黑市受到高合法价格和有组织犯罪的助长,导致暴力增加、纵火和税收减少。 The black market, fueled by high legal prices and organized crime, has led to increased violence, arson, and declining tax revenue. 虽然巴特勒拒绝增税导致问题, 国家领导人及产业团体则认为该政策已促成数十亿美元的非法贸易, 破坏了公共卫生及安全工作。 While Butler denied tax increases caused the problem, state leaders and industry groups argue the policy has enabled a multibillion-dollar illegal trade, undermining public health and safety efforts.