Smokefree advocates blast Costello over 'lack of transparency'

Smokefree advocates say the Prime Minister should be concerned over a lack of transparency shown by his Associate Health Minister - Casey Costello. Documents reveal that officials told Ms Costello cutting the tax for heated tobacco products would benefit big tobacco company Philip Morris the most. Treasury officials also warned the products are toxic and more harmful than vaping. Ms Costello claims she got independent advice before reducing the tax, but won't say where from. Chris Bullen is a Professor of Public Health at the University of Auckland, and is a member of the Smokefree Expert Advisory Group and spoke to Charlotte Cook