Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration) Share this | Link to 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?

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I can certainly guarantee that the Albanese government is taking strong action against illegal tobacco.

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I remind the Senate once again that, since question 11, I have demanded and ordered that questions be heard in silence and that answers be heard in silence. Senator Scarr, first supplementary?

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Earlier this year, a 27-year-old woman was killed in her home in Melbourne after a failed attack by gangs involved in the illegal tobacco trade targeted and burned down the wrong house. Will no further lives be lost, businesses be firebombed and robberies occur now that this disruption group is finally in place?

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think all of us have immense sympathy for those who pay a price for these terrible crimes, and that's why our government is taking strong action to crack down on illegal tobacco.

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'll wait for silence once again. Senator Scarr?

Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Criminal activity has exploded under your government's watch, with people living in fear and small businesses having to close their doors after robberies and firebombings. Given that you cannot assure Australians that this taskforce will ensure their safety or stop the importation of illegal tobacco into Australia, how many firebombings, robberies and killings will now take place, and how many tonnes of illicit tobacco will now enter the country in the next six months? Do you have an estimation?

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thanks, Senator Scarr. As is very much on the record, additional funding has been provided to the Border Force to support frontline resources to tackle illegal tobacco. We've committed $188.5 million to the ABF over four years, among other investments. We remain committed to tackling illegal tobacco, and we'll do everything we can to crack down on it.