Senate debates

Thursday, 30 October 2025

Questions without Notice

Crime: Illicit Tobacco

5:27 pm

Photo of Paul ScarrPaul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration) Share this | Hansard source

As a senator from the beautiful state of Queensland, my question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs, Minister Watt. The Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group was finally established to combat the explosion in criminal activity, including in my home state of Queensland, surrounding the illegal tobacco trade in Australia. The illegal tobacco underworld hoovers up approximately $10 billion a year in Australia and is linked to numerous murders, firebombings, robberies and other criminal activities. Can you guarantee that the establishment of this taskforce funded in the 2023-24 budget will see a reduction of illegal tobacco entering this country undetected?

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