David Leyonhjelm (NSW, Liberal Democratic Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Cormann. The government expects a $3.7 billion boost to revenue from tobacco excise and customs duty over the next four years under its measure to combat illicit tobacco. Much of this revenue boost occurs in 2019-20, when the government will start taxing tobacco as it enters warehouses rather than when it leaves. This will bring forward revenue. Roughly what proportion of the $3.7 billion boost over four years is attributable to this change in the point at which tobacco is taxed? Can you please explain how this change in the taxing point can have a significant effect over the next four years, given that the average time that tobacco remains in warehouses is only a matter of weeks?