COMMITTEES

Senator PAYMAN (Western Australia—Australia's Voice Whip) (12:07): I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 168 before asking that it be taken as a formal motion. Leave granted. Senator PAYMAN: I move the motion as amended: That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 9 March 2026: The illegal tobacco trade in Australia, with particular reference to: (a) the extent to which black market tobacco products are funding organised crime; (b) the extent to which the enforcement efforts of the federal government have been effective at deterring the trade of black market tobacco; (c) the extent to which the tobacco excise is beneficial in terms of public health; (d) whether present excise settings have contributed to the growth of the tobacco black market, and whether a freeze or reduction of the excise may help to lower demand for black market tobacco; (e) the effect the illegal tobacco trade is having on the budget as a result of lost excise revenue; (f) the rise of second-order crime committed as a result of the illegal tobacco trade, including the rise in firebombings of tobacconists, and the effect this crime is having on legitimate businesses; and (g) any other related matters.

The PRESIDENT: The question is that general business notice of motion No. 168 as amended and standing in the name of Senator Payman be agreed to.