What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill creates new offences for importing, holding or moving illegal tobacco, which can be proven using visible signs such as non-compliant packaging or a price below the tax owed. It also tightens control of duty-free tobacco, speeds up seizures, adds licence duties for customs brokers and warehouses, and strengthens laws for taking criminals' profits. The bill had broad support, but the House debate focused mostly on whether tobacco excise should be cut.
Arguments made in support
Government members said current offences need proof of intent to cheat on tax, which crime groups avoid by keeping their distance from the border.
Supporters said taking criminals' cash, houses and cars hurts syndicates more than fines, and the bill makes that easier.
Labor speakers pointed to Queensland, where stronger enforcement was followed by more legal tobacco sales and more calls to Quitline.
Coalition members said they would not oppose the bill, as it gives police and border agencies practical new tools.
Independents Monique Ryan, Zali Steggall and Sophie Scamps backed the bill, saying illegal tobacco is an enforcement problem, not a tax problem.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said the bill ignores the main cause: high excise creates a huge price gap that makes illegal tobacco very profitable.
The Coalition moved amendments to cut tobacco excise by 80 per cent, and One Nation's Barnaby Joyce moved for a 75 per cent cut; both were defeated.
The government, Labor members and several independents said cutting excise would make smoking cheaper and raise smoking rates, pointing to Canada's experience in 1994.
Coalition MP Mary Aldred raised concerns that the new offences reverse the usual burden of proof, and said courts rarely impose maximum penalties anyway.
Independent Allegra Spender supported the bill but asked the government to at least freeze excise and set clear goals for when it would change approach.
63 speeches by 44 members in the House over 4 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 10 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 17 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 12 Oct 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 13 Oct 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.