Answers to Questions

Ciccone highlighted the success of bipartisan public health policies in reducing smoking rates to historic lows, noting a decrease to 5.8 per cent among adults in 2025-26. Ciccone cited data from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey showing that daily vaping rates had stabilised at 3.6 per cent. Ciccone argued that unwinding these policies would be detrimental, as smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and places significant pressure on the healthcare system.

Cadell argued that high excise taxes have failed to reduce tobacco use because 80 per cent of the market is now illegal, benefiting organised crime syndicates. Cadell cited increased sewage detection of tobacco residues and incidents such as firebombings and shootings as evidence that the current policy is unfit for purpose. Cadell proposed reducing the excise to remove the profit incentive for criminals and restore control to legitimate businesses, noting that cheap illegal tobacco drives young people towards cigarettes.

Walker defended the government's investment of $365 million since 2024 to combat illegal tobacco, including the establishment of the National Disruption Group. Walker criticised the opposition's proposal for an 80 per cent tax cut as lacking substance and risking a new generation of nicotine addiction. Walker pointed to South Australia's success in closing illicit shops and raising prices as a model for enforcement, arguing that pressure should be placed on criminals rather than reducing taxes.

Collins characterised the illicit tobacco trade as a national security issue rather than a health issue, citing billions of dollars in profits for criminal gangs and associated violence. Collins argued that the government's high-tax approach has exacerbated the problem, leading to firebombings and extortion of shopkeepers. Collins reiterated the coalition's proposal for an 80 per cent excise reduction to disrupt the criminal business model and also raised concerns about the impact of the allied health cap on veterans.