Nhob,

I do read the posts, evidently you don't.

The ABS collects specific information, and if the market changes, as it has done the accuracy of the information can be affected.

So don't claim "proof" until you have seen the other data.

SR,

At the time I first posted the info on the ABS had not come to light. And while the ABS data might at first glance look compelling, there are a number of reasons to reserve judgement.

The ABS like all statistical organisations decides on a particular statistical source and sticks with it preferring consistency over perfect accuracy, assuming that anomalies will correct in the long term. Anomalies can occur from changes in type of tobacco sold, to changes in inventory levels, etc. To quote the ABC:

"Professor Daube said he anticipates a decline in cigarette sales in coming years, but said it was too soon to determine whether or not the laws had proven successful. "Of course the impact of plain packaging is always going to be long term," he said. "You're looking at complex issues such as population increase and of course artificially high cigarette sales or reported sales during 2013 because of inventory changes."

Secondly, as I stated before, the Australian does have fact checkers that work independently from the journalists checking stories, especially those on the front page. The information they are using is from a different point of sales from the ABS, and I doubt they are sucking it out of their thumb.

One problem I have with the drug addicted fag addicts is the way so many "shoot up" at bus stops! Despite tough fines of $300 they continue to flout the law. Time for action!

Lol!...Paul,

I was sitting at a bus stop last week.

Two cars went past spewing out grey smoke from the exhaust. It rent the air and stank to high heaven - stayed in the air for 100 metres in both directions for several minutes.

That's just two cars....I wonder how many smokers it would take to render that pollution...probably several thousand standing end to end smoking for a considerable time.

Bit of a laugh really...especially if you're standing at a bus stop on a busy street thinking you're breathing clean air because a smoker isn't standing next to you.

I wonder how many smokers it would take to render that pollution
Poirot,
My point also. Just like those pseudo environmentalists who go on holidays via 747 to to eco lodges which have elecetricity provided by Solar panels which, of course are made from oil.
Or using cell phones & computers & tablets & & & & & ....all made from oil.

individual,

I don't have a major problem with infrastructure like solar panels or wind turbines made from fossil fuels if that infrastructure will assist in providing future energy from renewables. If we're going to shift to new technology and infrastructure that doesn't use (so much) fossil fuel, we are obliged to start from the place that we are at.