Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Modernisation and Other Measures) Bill 2026

Summary

Australia's customs authorities are getting new powers and tools to crack down on illegal tobacco imports, which have become a major problem costing the government millions in lost tax revenue and undermining legitimate businesses. The legislation updates the Customs Act 1901 and related laws to give border officials better technology, stronger enforcement options, and clearer rules for detecting and stopping smuggled tobacco before it reaches Australian streets. This matters because illegal tobacco undercuts legal retailers, reduces government funding for hospitals and schools, and often funds organised crime networks, so modernising how authorities catch smugglers protects both the tax base and public health.

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