Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Customs Tariff Amendment (Tobacco) Bill 2010 is the second of the related bills which will increase the rates of duty for tobacco products, more detailed comments of which I have made on the earlier bill.

The Customs Tariff Amendment (Tobacco) Bill 2010 contains amendments to the Customs Tariff Act 1995, in respect of imported tobacco products, that are complementary to the amendments made to the Excise Tariff Act 1921.

These amendments increase the rates of customs duty for tobacco products by 25 per, which is the same as the increase in rates of excise duty. The increased rates of customs duty will apply to tobacco products imported from all countries, including those goods imported under any of Australia’s free trade agreements.

These amendments will ensure that the rates for customs duty on imported tobacco products are the same as the rates of excise duty on those goods when produced in Australia. Again these amendments will reduce the number of smoking related diseases and fatalities in Australia.

As with the amendments to the excise applying to tobacco products, the amendments to the Customs Tariff Act will also take effect from 30 April 2010 and I commend them to the House.

Debate (on motion by Mr Andrews) adjourned.

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