Cigarettes would fall from about $30 to just $6 under Coalition plan

Angus Taylor pledged to cut cigarette tax from about $30 to just $6 per packet if the Coalition is elected. He says lower prices would stop illegal sales.

Why it mattersCheaper cigarettes could make smoking more affordable for Australians. Health experts warn that lower prices could undo decades of work to reduce smoking.

AustraliaAustralian smokers would see cigarettes cost roughly $16 to $26 per pack if retailers pass on the full tax cut. The policy reflects growing concern about the illegal tobacco trade costing the federal budget tens of billions in lost revenue.

Corroborated bysbs.com.au

✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 h ago

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✓ ABC NewsPower & Policy

Edge Early Learning closes second Canberra centre after regulator suspension

Edge Early Learning permanently closed its Charnwood childcare centre in Canberra after regulators suspended it for three months over safety.

Why it mattersThis shows serious safety risks in childcare. It also shows the dangers when childcare centres have high staff turnover and cannot keep experienced staff.

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✓ The Guardian AustraliaPower & Policy

Mistaken-identity shootings kill two in Sydney as gangs recruit

Two people were shot dead in Sydney in suspected mistaken-identity killings within two days. Police say this is part of a pattern: as many as six such shootings since the start of last year.