Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee

Fatima Payman

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 168 before asking that it be taken as a formal motion.

Leave granted.

I move the motion as amended:

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 9 March 2026:

The illegal tobacco trade in Australia, with particular reference to:

(a) the extent to which black market tobacco products are funding organised crime;

(b) the extent to which the enforcement efforts of the federal government have been effective at deterring the trade of black market tobacco;

(c) the extent to which the tobacco excise is beneficial in terms of public health;

(d) whether present excise settings have contributed to the growth of the tobacco black market, and whether a freeze or reduction of the excise may help to lower demand for black market tobacco;

(e) the effect the illegal tobacco trade is having on the budget as a result of lost excise revenue;

(f) the rise of second-order crime committed as a result of the illegal tobacco trade, including the rise in firebombings of tobacconists and the effect this crime is having on legitimate businesses; and

(g) any other related matters

Sue Lines

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 168 as amended and standing in the name of Senator Payman be agreed to.