The Federal Government will continue to commit more money to trying to stamp out the multiple spotfires of illegal tobacco importation and sales.

This includes $14m to “boost the states’ and territories’ capabilities to disrupt the illicit tobacco and e-cigarette markets – including for transport, storage and disposal of seized tobacco and e-cigarettes”, according to last week’s Federal Budget. 

A pair of tobacco shops in Douglas Shire have been shut down by Queensland health authorities since the recent crackdown on illicit tobacco sales - one in Mossman and one in Port Douglas.

The December mid-year Federal estimate of the amount of money the Government was expected to make on tobacco taxes was $5.45 billion, but the eventual amount has been predicted to be $4.13 billion, down about $1.3 billion.

By comparison, the amount the Government made on beer tax was $2.72 billion, spirits $3.27 billion and other alcoholic beverages such as mix cans like UDLs $1.81 billion.

The Government said in the Budget it would provide $20.3m from July to combat the illicit tobacco market. 

This funding includes: $5.2m over four years from 2026–27 to undertake regular data collection, analysis and monitoring to understand nicotine and tobacco product use and markets, and $1.1m in 2026–27 to meet Australia’s international tobacco control obligations, including support for Pacific partners.