Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026

Summary

This legislation targets the illegal tobacco trade in Australia by introducing stronger enforcement measures and penalties against smuggling, counterfeit cigarette production, and unlicensed tobacco sales. The changes will likely amend existing tobacco excise laws and customs regulations to give authorities like the Australian Border Force and the Australian Taxation Office tougher tools to intercept illegal products and prosecute offenders. For consumers, this means fewer counterfeit and substandard tobacco products on the black market; for legitimate businesses, it levels the playing field by cracking down on competitors who avoid taxes; and for government, it protects the substantial revenue lost to illicit tobacco trade, which currently costs Australia hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

What happens at this stage

The main debate on whether the chamber supports the broad purpose of the bill. Members speak to its overall merits and concerns rather than the fine print. The government outlines its policy intentions; the opposition and crossbench put their case. This is the stage that determines whether the bill proceeds at all.

Next: Consideration in Detail (House) or Committee of the Whole (Senate), where the bill is examined clause by clause