QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:38): I'll make a few points. First, it is the case that illicit tobacco is not just a health problem and not just a revenue problem; it is a serious organised crime crisis. It's a major source of funds for serious and organised crime, which also is used to fund other harms and crimes.

I would make the point that the government does not believe we should be surrendering to either organised criminals or big tobacco. I would make the point that the government has committed more than $365 million to enhance border detection, seizure and joint enforcement activities with states and territories to target illicit supply chains and retail operations.

We would also make the point that the only way to stamp out the black market is for states and the federal government to work together. It is the states that regulate the sale of tobacco. We do need strong momentum across states, territories and the Commonwealth to fight the black market together, and the government is contributing to that response.

I can also advise the chamber that the government has set up the Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group. It's a first-of-its-kind, whole-of-government capability to target and disrupt criminals and enablers operating in the illicit tobacco market. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, first supplementary?