Continued the debate
Clutterham argued that the bill aimed to increase penalties for illicit tobacco offences to match the harms caused and to enhance the effectiveness of the Proceeds of Crime regime. Clutterham stated that illicit tobacco, including unlicensed cultivation and untaxed imports, is dominated by organised crime syndicates who exploit unsuspecting landowners and retailers. Clutterham noted that the illicit market had grown to account for up to 80 per cent of tobacco products sold, resulting in a tobacco tax gap estimated at $2.7 billion in the 2023 financial year. Clutterham explained that the bill would amend several acts to increase penalties and allow telecommunications interception for serious tobacco offences. Clutterham also highlighted reforms to unexplained wealth orders to disrupt the financial benefits of criminal activity.