Secret Meeting About Illegal Cigarettes

May 5, 2026, 15:00
AustraliaPolitics

Introduction

Government leaders are studying illegal cigarettes. Some people are angry because Philip Morris spoke in a secret meeting.

Main Body

Senator Leah Blyth stopped the public video for fifteen minutes. Philip Morris spoke in private. The government said this was for safety because of bad criminals. Philip Morris says taxes on cigarettes are too high. They say high taxes help the illegal market. This illegal market is now 50% to 60% of all sales. Health groups are unhappy. They say the meeting must be public. They do not trust tobacco companies because these companies want more money.

Conclusion

The government is still looking for ways to stop illegal cigarettes.

Learning

💡 The 'Who Says What' Pattern

In this text, we see a pattern for talking about opinions. To reach A2, you need to connect a person to an action and an idea.

The Formula: Person →\rightarrow Action (say/think/want) →\rightarrow Idea

Examples from the text:

  • Philip Morris →\rightarrow says →\rightarrow taxes are too high.
  • Health groups →\rightarrow say →\rightarrow the meeting must be public.
  • Companies →\rightarrow want →\rightarrow more money.

Quick Guide for Beginners:

  • Use SAYS when someone speaks out loud.
  • Use WANT when someone has a goal.

Word Alert:

  • Illegal = Not allowed by the law.
  • Secret = Not told to other people.

Vocabulary Learning

secret (adj.)
not known or seen by many people; hidden
Example:The government held a secret meeting to discuss the new policy.
meeting (n.)
an event where people gather to talk about something
Example:The senators had a meeting to decide on the new law.
public (adj.)
open to everyone; not private
Example:The video was made public so everyone could see it.
private (adj.)
not open to everyone; kept secret
Example:The company held a private discussion about the future.
safety (n.)
the condition of being protected from harm
Example:The safety of the workers is the company's top priority.
taxes (n.)
money people pay to the government
Example:Many people think taxes on cigarettes are too high.
market (n.)
a place where goods are bought and sold
Example:The illegal market for cigarettes is growing fast.
trust (v.)
to believe that someone is reliable or honest
Example:People do not trust tobacco companies because they want more money.