Opened the debate
Hill moved that the bill be read a second time, arguing it would increase consequences for criminals involved in the illicit tobacco market. Hill stated that illicit tobacco posed significant risks to public health and community safety, citing estimates that smoking kills 66 Australians daily. The member argued that transnational crime groups were exploiting a global surplus of cheap tobacco, necessitating reforms to make illegal trade less profitable and more risky. Hill highlighted that the bill would amend several acts to increase penalties and expand law enforcement powers, including wiretaps and surveillance capabilities. The member also noted that reforms would strengthen proceeds of crime regimes to target unexplained wealth and confiscate assets from offenders.