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 raises penalties for importing, making, selling and possessing illegal tobacco, lets agencies use phone interception and surveillance warrants for serious tobacco offences, and strengthens proceeds of crime and unexplained wealth laws to target criminal profits. All parties who spoke supported it, but the debate focused on whether high tobacco excise has fuelled the illegal market, and whether tougher penalties will work without more enforcement. Speakers cited estimates that illegal products now make up more than half, and possibly up to 80 per cent, of tobacco consumed.
Arguments made in support
The Government said illegal tobacco is now a serious organised crime problem linked to firebombings and violence, and penalties must outweigh the profits.
Government members said taking criminals' cash, cars and houses through proceeds of crime laws hurts them faster than slow prosecutions.
Government and some crossbench members said cutting excise would make smoking cheaper and undo public health gains, while illegal tobacco would still be cheaper.
Supporters said honest retailers should not have to compete with illegal shops, and pointed to record Border Force seizures and closures in Queensland and South Australia.
Independents including Monique Ryan and Kate Chaney supported the bill but urged caution about tobacco industry influence, and moved a motion calling for a ban on tobacco industry donations.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said the bill is a minor, late response, and that higher maximum penalties mean little without real enforcement and resources.
Coalition, National and One Nation speakers said high excise rises have driven people to the black market and cut revenue by billions, and called for a review or cuts.
The Coalition moved a motion calling for a full national strategy, including shop closures, lease terminations and stronger coordination with the states.
Allegra Spender and Monique Ryan said enforcement alone will not fix the problem, urging national retail licensing and better state resourcing.
Sophie Scamps moved an amendment to ban imports of tobacco manufacturing equipment without a permit; the Government opposed it on Border Force advice.
72 speeches by 51 members in the House and Senate over 6 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 26 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 14 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 4 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 22 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 19 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 20 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.