Labor proposes new offences to tighten crackdown on illegal tobacco trade

Labor is set to table a bill that adds dedicated offences for organised crime networks, distributors and shops selling illegal cigarettes, aiming to overcome the evidential hurdles of current law. Julian one outlet explained that prosecutors will be able to rely on indicators like prices below the combined excise and GST, missing provenance records, or non-conforming plain-packaging to demonstrate unlawful importation. The legislation also creates separate crimes for possession and movement of illicit tobacco within Australia, and broadens proceeds-of-crime powers to confiscate cash, vehicles, homes and other assets.

While the government focuses on enforcement, the opposition parties have called for an 80% cut to legal cigarette excise and the legalisation of nicotine vaping products. Health Minister Mark Butler reiterated that stronger enforcement, rather than tax cuts, is the preferred strategy to curb the black market.