Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

I want to briefly address the question that was directed to me on the changes to the penalties for tobacco smuggling. We are, of course, concerned when any illicit product is coming across our borders. I need to put on the record that we do not share the view that the tobacco industry has that this is a huge problem in Australia, but any amount of illegal product coming in is obviously a concern. It is a concern both on the health front because people smoke this product and because it is essentially defrauding Australian taxpayers of money that would otherwise be paid as excise to the government and be provided for in the budget.

These offences have not had their penalties updated for a long time. They are not commensurate with other offences of fraud against the Commonwealth. That is why the announcement has been made today, on World No Tobacco Day. The question went directly to whether or not there are any additional resources being provided. No, there are not for this particular initiative. The same work that is done in detecting illicit tobacco will continue but we will be able to enforce a much stricter regime and harsher penalties, including that those involved in this illicit trade could end up in jail for up to 10 years. It is about having a proper disincentive and us tackling tobacco across all fronts.

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