As a senator from the beautiful state of Queensland, my question is directed to the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs, Minister Watt. The Illicit Tobacco National Disruption Group was finally established to combat the explosion in criminal activity, including in my home state of Queensland, surrounding the illegal tobacco trade in Australia. The illegal tobacco underworld hoovers up approximately $10 billion a year in Australia and is linked to numerous murders, firebombings, robberies and other criminal activities. Can you guarantee that the establishment of this taskforce funded in the 2023-24 budget will see a reduction of illegal tobacco entering this country undetected?
Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (17:27): I can certainly guarantee that the Albanese government is taking strong action against illegal tobacco.
