The rise will add about $2.16 to a pack of 30 cigarettes and generate an extra $5 billion over four years, which the government vows to invest in hospitals.

"Because of media speculation about the excise in recent days, there was real concern about changes to consumer behaviour and the importance of acting now," Mr Rudd said, saying the decision had been brought forward on advice from the Tax Office.

Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the Tax Office was already monitoring cigarette outlets for any signs of stockpiling among consumers today.



"The Tax Office will be taking steps if there is any evidence of hoarding between the announcement being made and the time at which it commences," she said.



"We obviously want to make sure that these announcements have the effect as intended, which is that from midnight tonight your average packet of 30 cigarettes will cost $2 or so extra as a result of these changes.



"And we hope and we encourage the community to think again about whether now is the time to quit."

Mr Rudd denied the announcement was politically motivated or brought forward to draw attention away from the stalling of the ETS.

"There appears to be sort of an assumption in your question that this is somehow a popular announcement. It’s just not," he said.