Abbott rules out cigarette tax rise

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott appears to have ruled out an increase in tobacco taxes to fund the coalition's new climate change policy.

The policy, likely to be signed off by the shadow ministry on Friday, could be released as early as Sunday.

The coalition reportedly is considering raising the tobacco excise to fund the policy, but Mr Abbott downplayed media reports flagging the option.

"There will be no new taxes or no increased taxes to fund our climate change policy," he told reporters in Canberra on Friday.

When asked directly if tobacco taxes would be increased, Mr Abbott said: "Our climate change policy will involve no new taxes."

The coalition was considering raising the rate of tobacco excise, possibly by about 12.5 per cent, which would increase cigarette packet prices by 60 cents, News Limited reported.

"I don't much like smoking. I never will. I don't think anyone much likes smoking, I think even smokers don't like smoking," Mr Abbott said.