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

Summary

This legislation modernises how Australian customs authorities enforce rules against illegal tobacco entering the country. It amends the Customs Act 1901 and related laws to give border agencies updated tools and powers to detect, seize, and prosecute smuggled tobacco products more effectively. The changes matter because illegal tobacco undermines tax revenue, creates unfair competition for legitimate tobacco businesses, and often funds criminal networks—by strengthening enforcement capabilities, the government aims to reduce smuggling and protect the integrity of Australia's tobacco tax system.

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