Summarised by Centrist
NZ First MP and Smokefree Minister Casey Costello has downplayed revelations that tobacco giant Philip Morris targeted her party for favourable regulation.
“We’ve traversed this subject so many times. We’re committed to achieving the smokefree targets. I think the news article related to something from 2017, I was working in construction then,” she said.
This comes after Costello cut excise taxes on heated tobacco products by 50%, garnering criticism from opposition parties. Labour’s Ayesha Verrall accused Costello of following Philip Morris’ strategy, while the Greens raised concerns about the influence of lobbying on government decisions.
