Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend the motion standing in my name to omit paragraph (b)(iii).

Leave granted.

I, and also on behalf of Senators Madigan and Di Natale, move the motion as amended:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that cheap cigarettes are currently being sold in Australia, reportedly as low as $13 for a packet of 25 cigarettes, following the introduction of plain packaging for tobacco products; and

(b) calls on the Australian Government to:

(i) introduce a minimum floor price on cheap and/or cross-subsidised tobacco products to remove the cost differential, and

(ii) recognise the value of preventative measures such as Quitline and the National Tobacco Campaign, and increase funding accordingly to maximise the effectiveness of these measures and campaigns.

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion as amended be agreed to.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government was unable to support the motion just voted on. However, the government can assure Senator Xenophon that we are open to consideration of issues raised in his notice of motion and share his concerns about the price of cheaper cigarettes on the market. The government is willing to work with Senator Xenophon to continue to build on the already promising reduction of smoking rates in Australia.