David Feeney (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Brandis very much for his contribution on the Customs Amendment (Smuggled Tobacco) Bill 2012. I note he finished his contribution with an exhortation to this government that we give priority to Customs funding. I think his articulated commitment on that matter will be very welcome to Customs, particularly as it is an exhortation and commitment that contradicts earlier statements by Mr Hockey, who said it was impossible to give a guarantee that Customs would not receive further cuts from a coalition government. So with that welcome news ringing in our ears I commend this bill to the parliament.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.