❓ Opposition questions the Health Minister on why the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill 2026 is perceived as weaker than laws in other states, despite the Minister's claim of having the toughest penalties. The Minister defends the legislation, highlighting enforcement and collaboration with other agencies.

Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill 202651.Mr Basil Zempilasto the Minister for Health:I have a supplementary question. Why is that 188 days after the minister said that she was working on legislation she has introduced laws—The Speaker:Leader of the Opposition, there is no preamble to supplementary questions. Just ask the question, please.Mr Basil Zempilas:Why is it that the minister has introduced laws that are weaker than those that exist in other states?The Speaker:Minister, you are actually being asked for an opinion here, so it is up to you how you want to respond to that.

Ms Meredith Hammat replied:I make the point that our laws include some of the toughest penalties in the nation—at the maximum level. Along with enforcement teams that we have put in place and the ongoing work that we are doing, they will give us the powers that we need in the short term. We will work, as we have said, on a second tranche of legislation. All those elements are important to ensure that we are taking action to stamp out what is an illegal and illicit trade.Members, I think it is really important to also be clear that the laws are one part of the tools that we need. Theyare not the only part. When we see illicit tobacco being sold in conjunction with organised crime, we have laws that deal with those elements. That is why the cooperation between health, police and federal agencies is so important to make sure that we are prosecuting people to the full force of the law to crack down on the trade. Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill 2026