Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026

Summary

This legislation strengthens Australia's defences against illegal tobacco products by increasing penalties for smuggling and selling counterfeit cigarettes, and giving border authorities and tax officials stronger powers to detect and intercept illicit tobacco before it reaches the market. The changes likely amend existing customs and tax laws to close loopholes that smugglers exploit. This matters because illicit tobacco undercuts legitimate businesses, deprives the government of tax revenue needed for healthcare and services, and often funds criminal organisations — the crackdown aims to protect public health and the integrity of the legal tobacco market.

What happens at this stage

The final vote in this chamber on the bill as a whole, after all amendments have been considered. If it passes, the bill moves to the other chamber to go through the same process. If both chambers have already agreed to identical text, the bill proceeds directly to Royal Assent.

Next: The other chamber, which runs the same process from First Reading, or Royal Assent if both chambers have already agreed