Tobacco Control

Aldred argued that the government's approach is failing, citing a 40 per cent increase in smoking rates between 2017 and 2025 according to ABS data, and an uptick in Western Australia. Aldred highlighted the dangers of the 97 per cent illegal vape market, which lacks manufacturing standards, and noted that legalised vapes could serve as a harm-minimisation tool. Aldred criticised the Prime Minister for avoiding direct answers on tobacco excise and pointed to ongoing firebombings in states like South Australia and Victoria as evidence of a national crisis. Aldred stated that the government's contradiction between blaming enforcement failures and acknowledging the excise gap leaves Australians caught in the middle.

Garland stated that the government had pledged over $365 million from 2024 to target illicit tobacco at every border point. Garland argued that the opposition's proposal to reduce excise and legalise vaping would increase smoking rates and addict a new generation to nicotine, lacking any modelling or substance. Garland cited evidence that vapes are highly potent in nicotine, can hold nine packs' worth, and are linked to lung and oral cancer. Garland noted that individuals using vapes were five times as likely to begin smoking, making them a gateway rather than a safer alternative. Garland expressed pride in the government's action against nicotine addiction and organised crime, contrasting it with the opposition's approach.

Rebello argued that the illicit tobacco trade is a lucrative criminal enterprise that undermines legitimate small businesses, which face competition from unregulated operators. Rebello highlighted the significant price difference between legal packets costing around $50 and illegal ones at $15 to $20, creating an incentive for black market purchases. Rebello stated that organised crime profits from this trade fund drug trafficking, scams, and money laundering, with over 130 legitimate businesses already attacked. Rebello proposed cutting tobacco excise by 80 per cent to remove the price advantage enjoyed by criminals, supported by a $200 million law enforcement surge. Rebello emphasised that tax reform alone is insufficient and must be backed by stronger border and police action to dismantle criminal networks.

Reid described the clinical realities of smoking-related lung diseases, such as COPD, which cause severe breathlessness and dependence on oxygen. Reid argued that tobacco is a product that causes disease by design, and weakening controls would be a profound public health error. Reid stated that strong tobacco controls are necessary to reduce preventable disease, premature death, and hospital admissions. Reid rejected any proposal to make tobacco cheaper or easier to obtain, viewing it as surrendering public health policy for political convenience. Reid emphasised the government's responsibility to protect the next generation from addiction and help current smokers quit.

Wilson argued that the government is protecting the superprofits of organised crime by failing to address the illicit tobacco trade effectively. Wilson claimed that tobacco excise revenue has collapsed while criminal profits have skyrocketed, funding other illicit activities like gunrunning and terrorism. Wilson stated that the government's reliance on law enforcement alone is failing, as evidenced by continued firebombings and increased nicotine consumption. Wilson criticised the government for blocking parliamentary inquiries into organised crime connections and for defending a policy he described as catastrophically failed. Wilson asserted that the government's ideological approach ignores the brutal reality of criminal networks operating outside the law.

Mascarenhas argued that the opposition is using organised crime as a cover for policies favoured by the tobacco industry, which would increase smoking and vaping rates. Mascarenhas cited data showing daily smoking among adults has fallen to less than six per cent and daily vaping levels have levelled off below four per cent. Mascarenhas warned that legalising vapes would act as a gateway to smoking, citing warnings from public health experts about a potential tobacco resurgence. Mascarenhas stated that the government has committed more than $365 million to stop illegal tobacco and is focused on enforcement rather than surrender. Mascarenhas emphasised that decades of deliberate public health policy have led to record highs in never-smokers.

Bell argued that the illicit tobacco trade is fuelling violence, intimidation, and firebombings, with innocent civilians and small businesses caught in the middle. Bell stated that increasing tobacco excise has not eliminated demand but has created a profitable opportunity for organised crime due to the price gap. Bell proposed cutting the tobacco excise by 80 per cent to remove the financial incentive for the black market, alongside stronger borders and intelligence-led policing. Bell highlighted the impact on legitimate small businesses, which are struggling to compete with criminals who do not pay taxes or follow regulations. Bell asserted that the government's policies are not working and that a change in approach is necessary to address the crisis.

Freelander argued that public health policy has been successful in reducing smoking rates to well below six per cent, the lowest in the world. Freelander warned that reducing excise would reverse these gains, leading to more smoking and nicotine addiction among children. Freelander cited evidence that vaping results in severe health damage, such as lung cancer and obstructive lung disease, and acts as a gateway to smoking. Freelander stated that the opposition's policies lack an evidence base and would benefit neither healthcare workers nor families affected by smoking-related illness. Freelander emphasised the importance of maintaining high smoking costs as a price signal and improving enforcement to tackle organised crime.