Senate’s illicit tobacco inquiry misses the lethal elephant in the room

Media release

27 November 2025

Australia’s peak body for public health is deeply concerned that the passage of the terms of reference for the Senate inquiry on illicit tobacco today missed a key question – the role of Big Tobacco and its allies.  

The Public Health Association of Australia says the Senate inquiry must consider the role of the established multinational tobacco industry (Big Tobacco) and their Australian arm in;-

1. the establishment and expansion of the tobacco retail network, both legal and illegal
   
   
2. the supply of tobacco, both factory-made cigarettes and loose leaf tobacco, to the illicit retail trade
   
   
3. running a campaign on illicit tobacco to argue for a reduction to the customs and excise tax they pay
   
   
4. the use of front groups and other spokespeople to promote their cause
   
   
5. payments to lobby groups and political parties to promote tobacco industry policy objectives

“Smoking kills 66 Australians every day and the tobacco industry have been lying to government and its customers for decades. Over the recent months we have seen them up to their old tricks running an orchestrated campaign on illicit tobacco,” Public Health Association of Australia CEO, Adj Prof Terry Slevin, says. 

“Any inquiry into this issue needs to pay much closer attention to the real corporate villain in this situation. We need to ensure our focus remains on enforcement, reducing demand, helping Australians to quit, and protecting future generations from a predatory industry.” 

We’re Australia's peak body for public health and advocate for the health and wellbeing of everyone. Our 2,000 members across the continent strive to help prevent – rather than cure – illness and disease. Learn more at https://www.phaa.net.au/

Paris Lord (he/him), PHAA Communications & Media Manager, 0478 587 917, [email protected]