Tracey Roberts
Pearce · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“For many years, Commonwealth incentive programs have played an important role in encouraging quality care, preventive health and better health outcomes across Australia. They support providers to deliver services that improve the health of patients while strengthening the broader health system.”
“It improves governance without disrupting patient care. It strengthens administration without changing the fundamental principles that underpin Medicare. That is sensible public policy. Good governments understand that effective reform often occurs incrementally.”
“And it strengthens the legislative foundations supporting one of Australia's most important public institutions. Deputy Speaker, Australians rightly value Medicare. They value a health system built on fairness, accessibility and quality care.”
“For healthcare providers, certainty matters. Doctors, nurses, allied health practitioners and practice managers already navigate an increasingly complex healthcare environment.”
“It requires legislation that keeps pace with changing models of care. It requires governance arrangements that provide certainty. And it requires accountability that gives both providers and patients confidence that public resources are being used appropriately. This Bill contributes to those objectives.”
“It benefits healthcare providers because expectations are more transparent and administrative arrangements are more consistent. Most importantly, it benefits patients because confidence in the integrity of the health system is strengthened. Public confidence matters. Australians expect that public funds are administered responsibly.”
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“And it strengthens the legislative foundations supporting one of Australia's most important public institutions. Deputy Speaker, Australians rightly value Medicare. They value a health system built on fairness, accessibility and quality care. Maintaining that system requires ongoing attention not only to frontline services but also to the legislative and administrative frameworks that support them. This Bill demonstrates that commitment. It modernises important aspects of our health legislation. It strengthens governance. It improves accountability. It provides greater certainty for providers. And it reinforces public confidence in the administration of Commonwealth health programs. For those reasons, I commend the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026 to the House, and I support its passage.”
“The measures contained in this Bill strengthen the governance of Commonwealth health incentive programs, improve accountability, modernise administration and reinforce confidence in the systems that support Medicare. They are practical reforms. They are balanced reforms. And they are reforms that will help ensure Australia's health system continues to operate effectively into the future. I also acknowledge the many organisations, health professionals and public servants who contribute to developing and administering these programs. Public policy is strongest when informed by practical experience, careful consultation and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for Australians. This legislation reflects that approach. It is measured. It is considered.”
“And it is about creating conditions in which health professionals can continue delivering high-quality care to communities across our nation. For the people of Pearce, these principles matter. Ours is a growing electorate with increasing demand for quality healthcare services. Families raising young children, older Australians planning for retirement, people managing chronic conditions and individuals seeking preventive care all rely on a healthcare system that is stable, trustworthy and responsive. They may never read the legislation debated in this chamber, but they experience its effects through the services they receive. That is why getting the legislative framework right matters .”
“Specialists deliver highly skilled treatment across every field of medicine. Behind them stand thousands of administrative staff whose work keeps appointments running, records maintained and services delivered. All of them contribute to Australia's healthcare system. All of them deserve legislative frameworks that support their work. This Bill contributes to that objective by ensuring Commonwealth incentive programs operate within a clearer and more consistent statutory framework. Ultimately, however, health policy is always about people. It is about ensuring Australians have confidence in the institutions that support their care. It is about maintaining systems that are transparent, accountable and well governed. It is about ensuring governments remain responsible stewards of public resources.”
“Australians expect that of us. They expect Parliament to maintain the institutions that serve them well. They expect legislation to be contemporary. They expect governments to administer public programs responsibly. And they expect taxpayer funds to be managed with integrity. This Bill reflects those expectations. Of course, legislation alone does not deliver healthcare. People do. Every day across Australia, health professionals demonstrate remarkable skill, compassion and professionalism. General practitioners build long-term relationships with families. Nurses provide care in hospitals, aged care facilities and community settings. Pharmacists offer trusted advice and accessible healthcare services. Allied health professionals help people recover, maintain independence and improve quality of life.”
“It improves governance without disrupting patient care. It strengthens administration without changing the fundamental principles that underpin Medicare. That is sensible public policy. Good governments understand that effective reform often occurs incrementally. Small improvements, consistently pursued, can produce significant long-term benefits. Strengthening legislative frameworks. Improving accountability. Providing greater certainty. Modernising administration. These may not always dominate public debate, but they contribute meaningfully to stronger public institutions. In many respects, this reflects the broader responsibility of Parliament. Our responsibility is not simply to respond to immediate challenges. It is also to ensure that the legislative foundations supporting essential public services remain robust for the future.”
“Where improvements can be made to clarity and accessibility, Parliament should support them. This legislation does exactly that. Importantly, this Bill should also be viewed within the broader context of strengthening Australia's healthcare system. Healthcare is not static. Medical technology changes. Clinical practice evolves. Patient expectations continue to develop. Population growth and demographic change create new challenges for governments at every level. Legislation must evolve alongside those changes. That does not always require sweeping reform. Sometimes it requires careful, practical improvements that strengthen existing systems while preserving what Australians value most. This Bill represents precisely that kind of reform. It builds upon existing arrangements rather than replacing them.”
“They adapt to changing technologies and evolving models of care. They deserve systems that support rather than complicate their work. Legislation such as this helps achieve that objective. It is also worth recognising that the Bill includes the renaming of the Health Insurance Act 1973 as the Medicare Act 1973. While that may appear to be a relatively modest change, names matter. For generations of Australians, Medicare has become synonymous with universal healthcare. It is one of the country's most recognised public institutions. Aligning the title of the legislation with the system Australians know reflects both clarity and common understanding. It makes the legislation more accessible and more readily understood by the community. Good legislation should not be unnecessarily confusing.”
“For healthcare providers, certainty matters. Doctors, nurses, allied health practitioners and practice managers already navigate an increasingly complex healthcare environment. They should be able to participate in Commonwealth incentive programs knowing that those programs are supported by a clear legislative framework with transparent rules and consistent administration. Providing that certainty allows clinicians to focus on what matters most: caring for patients. In Pearce, I regularly meet healthcare professionals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their communities. Whether they are working in general practice, community pharmacies, aged care, specialist clinics or allied health settings, they are united by a commitment to improving people's lives. They work long hours. They manage increasing demand.”
“It requires legislation that keeps pace with changing models of care. It requires governance arrangements that provide certainty. And it requires accountability that gives both providers and patients confidence that public resources are being used appropriately. This Bill contributes to those objectives. It also recognises something important about modern public administration. Legislation should be clear. Programs should operate according to transparent statutory authority. Administrative arrangements should be understandable. And governments should continually review whether existing legislative frameworks remain fit for purpose. That is good governance. These principles are not abstract. They shape how effectively governments deliver services and how confidently providers engage with Commonwealth programs.”
“Some people hear the word "compliance" and assume it simply means additional regulation. But good compliance is not about creating unnecessary bureaucracy. Good compliance provides confidence that public programs are operating as Parliament intended. It protects taxpayers. It protects honest providers. And it protects the integrity of Australia's health system. That integrity becomes increasingly important as our healthcare system grows in scale and complexity. Australia's health system is one of our nation's greatest strengths. It combines universal Medicare with a highly skilled health wo�kforce, world-class research and innovation, and partnerships across primary care, hospitals, community health and private providers. Maintaining that system requires more than funding alone.”
“It benefits healthcare providers because expectations are more transparent and administrative arrangements are more consistent. Most importantly, it benefits patients because confidence in the integrity of the health system is strengthened. Public confidence matters. Australians expect that public funds are administered responsibly. They expect that incentive payments supporting healthcare delivery are subject to appropriate oversight and accountability. They expect that programs funded by taxpayers operate according to clear rules and deliver public value. Those are entirely reasonable expectations. This Bill helps meet them. It introduces a more coherent approach to administering Commonwealth incentive programs while providing appropriate compliance mechanisms that protect the integrity of those programs.”
“For many years, Commonwealth incentive programs have played an important role in encouraging quality care, preventive health and better health outcomes across Australia. They support providers to deliver services that improve the health of patients while strengthening the broader health system. As healthcare continues to evolve, it is appropriate that the legislative framework supporting those programs evolves as well. One of the strengths of this legislation is that it establishes a clearer statutory basis for the operation of these programs. Rather than relying on arrangements that have developed over time, the Bill provides greater certainty about how incentive payments are administered, monitored and governed. That certainty benefits everyone. It benefits government because programs operate within a clearer legislative framework.”
“It provides a modern and consistent legislative framework for Commonwealth health incentive programs, strengthens governance arrangements, improves compliance mechanisms and updates the legislative architecture supporting the administration of Medicare. Those are sensible reforms. Health policy is often judged by the services people receive, and rightly so. But behind every consultation, every health assessment and every patient interaction sits a framework of legislation, administration and accountability. When those foundations are clear and robust, the system functions more effectively. When they are outdated or fragmented, unnecessary complexity can emerge for governments, providers and ultimately patients. This Bill recognises that reality.”
“Every day, people rely on Medicare, on general practitioners, on specialists, on allied health professionals, on nurses and pharmacists, and on the countless administrators and support staff who keep the system operating. While most people do not spend much time thinking about the legislation that underpins those services, the work we do in this Parliament helps ensure those systems remain effective, accountable and fit for purpose. That is why this Bill deserves the support of the House. Although many of its measures may appear technical, they are important. Good legislation is not always the legislation that attracts the greatest public attention. Often, it is the legislation that quietly strengthens the institutions Australians rely upon every day. This Bill does exactly that.”
“That's correct. Thank you. The incorporated speech reads as follows— Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I rise today to speak in support of the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026. I do so as the Member for Pearce, a community that continues to grow and evolve, with families, retirees, small business owners, health professionals and workers who all share a common expectation of our health system. They expect that it will be there when they need it. They expect it to be fair, accessible and reliable. And they expect that the systems underpinning their care are well governed, transparent and focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for patients. Those expectations are reasonable. Australians rightly place enormous trust in our health system.”
“I also thank Daniel Pastorelli MLA for joining us and for supporting such an important community event. My sincere thanks also go to the principal, Gary Payne, and the teachers and staff of Pearsall Primary School. Their warmth, professionalism and commitment to their students was evident throughout the morning. They created an environment where the children felt confident to ask questions, take part and learn with enthusiasm. It was a wonderful reminder that our schools are not just places of learning but places where the values of our democracy are nurtured and strengthened. At a time when democratic values must be protected and celebrated, the visit to Pearsall Primary School stood as a beautiful example of what that looked like in practice.”
“It reminded all of us of the responsibilities we share in protecting our democracy, our values and our institutions for future generations. I believe it is incredibly important that young people understand not only how parliament works but also why it matters. Democracy relies on participation, respect, listening to others and valuing different points of view. It is built on the idea that every voice counts. When children are given the chance to experience those values in action, they develop a stronger sense of citizenship and belonging. I want to thank the Speaker for taking the time to visit Pearsall Primary School and for helping to make the morning so memorable. His presence gave the students a real insight into the role of the Speaker and the parliament he leads.”
“Beyond the fun, the visit was an important opportunity for the students to learn firsthand about the role of the Speaker and the way Australia's democracy worked. For many of those children, it would have been the first time they had seen the parliament represented in such a direct and engaging way. Experiences like that help bring civics education to life in a way that classroom lessons alone could not. One of the most memorable parts of the morning was watching the spectacle that was the students helping to unfurl the majestic flag, the size of a double-decker bus, that flies above Parliament House in Canberra. It was a proud moment for the school community and a powerful symbol of the connection between our local schools and our national institutions. That simple act carried great meaning.”
“The incorporated speech read as follows I had the pleasure of visiting Pearsall Primary School in my electorate of Pearce last week for a very special morning alongside the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Milton Dick, and the local state member for Landsdale, Daniel Pastorelli. The morning began with a question that clearly mattered to the students: whether pineapple belonged on pizza. The result was decisive—82-41. Pineapple did not belong on pizza. While I may not have agreed with the outcome, I certainly respected the students' democratic process, and it was a light-hearted reminder that even the youngest members of our community understood the importance of a fair vote.”
“Financial assistance grants alone are growing at more than 2½ times the rate seen under the coalition, and they are projected to exceed $4 billion annually by the end of the decade, providing the certainty councils need to plan, invest, and deliver. As someone who has sat in the mayor's chair for many years, I can say this with certainty: what councils value most is stability, respect, and a genuine partnership with the Commonwealth. That is exactly what this government is delivering. So yes, local government matters. But, if we are serious about backing councils, then we must also be honest about the record. Under the coalition, funding was cut and councils were left behind. Under Labor, funding is growing, engagement has been restored, and communities are seeing the benefit. For those reasons, I oppose this motion.”
“We have doubled funding for Roads to Recovery to $4.4 billion over five years, ensuring councils can continue to maintain and upgrade the roads their communities depend on. We are investing in enabling infrastructure through the $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund. We are supporting safer roads, active transport, and growing communities through long-term, predictable funding streams. And, critically, we are listening. By restoring the Australian Council of Local Government, we have ensured councils once again have a seat at the table. Respect for local government is not just about words; it is about partnership. This motion points to individual programs and funding lines, but it ignores the bigger picture. Overall investment in local government is increasing substantially.”
“Now compare that with what we are seeing under the Albanese Labor government. We are delivering record investment in local government because we understand the role councils play in building strong, connected communities. Since coming to office, financial assistance grants have grown by five per cent in the last year alone and by 35 per cent since 2021-22. That is an increase from $2.6 billion to $3.6 billion in 2026-27. Across our first term, more than $16 billion will have flowed directly to local councils. That is not rhetoric; that is real support on the ground. It does not stop there. In 2023-24 alone, almost $6 billion flowed from the Commonwealth to local government, supporting local jobs, local infrastructure, and local services every single day.”
“But, if we are going to stand here and acknowledge the importance of local government, then we also need to be honest about how it has been treated, because this motion tells only half the story. It speaks about trust and recognition but it ignores the reality that, under the coalition, local government funding was cut and councils were left to do more with less. The coalition's 2014 decision to freeze indexation on financial assistance grants for three years reduced funding by an estimated 13 per cent—around $925 million taken out of local communities—and, when indexation returned, it was from a lower base, locking in that loss. That is not trust. That is not partnership. The consequences are still being felt, particularly in regional and outer suburban councils.”
“() (): The incorporated speech read as follows— I would like to speak against this motion. I do so not just as a member of this House but as someone who spent six years as a councillor and two years as a deputy mayor, culminating in nearly 12 years as Mayor of the City of Wanneroo in my electorate of Pearce, working for 20 years at the very coalface of local government. I do agree with parts of this motion. Local government is indeed a critical tier of government. It is closest to the community. It builds and maintains our roads, manages our waste and water, cares for our parks and public spaces, and plans for the growth of our suburbs and regions. It employs hundreds of thousands of Australians and delivers the services people rely on every single day.”
“They know which crossings are unsafe, which footpaths are incomplete and where communities are being held back by poor connections. Labor recognises the important role councils play in identifying local infrastructure priorities and delivering projects that improve community wellbeing and connectivity. In Pearce, local councils are often the first to hear where people feel unsafe or disconnected. The Active Transport Fund gives them another source of support to fix those local problems and improve everyday life. I commend the Albanese Labor government for this important commitment and for continuing to build the safer, more connected communities Australians deserve.”
“Projects funded through the Active Transport Fund improve road safety outcomes for vulnerable road users by separating cyclists and pedestrians from traffic and encouraging greater uptake of active transport. That means fewer conflicts on our roads, safer street crossings and infrastructure that helps children get to school more safely, helps older Australians stay active and helps families make shorter trips without getting in the car. This fund also supports the government's broader objectives of reducing transport emissions, improving public health outcomes, easing congestion and creating safer, more connected and more sustainable communities. From my previous role as mayor of the city of Wanneroo, in Pearce, I know the role of local government is so important. Councils know where the gaps are.”
“That is exactly the sort of practical, local infrastructure that makes a real difference. A safer shared path to a school, a better crossing near a shopping precinct, a cycling connection to a train station, improved lighting and accessibility on a well-used walking route—these may sound like small projects, but in a local community they can transform how people move and how safe they feel doing it. For Pearce and for communities across Western Australia, this is especially important. We know our suburbs are growing, we know people want more local options for travel and we know active transport has a role to play in helping communities stay connected while reducing pressure on our roads. It also helps make new housing developments more liveable from the start, rather than trying to retrofit safety and access later.”
“This is the kind of long-term planning communities need. It gives local councils and state governments certainty to plan, design and deliver projects properly. It also recognises that infrastructure is not just about major roads and bridges; it is also about the local paths, crossings and connections people rely on every day. In a place like Pearce, that matters just as much as anywhere else. This announcement builds on the success of the first round of the Active Transport Fund, launched in 2024, which delivered $100 million for safer, connected and accessible transport infrastructure projects. Those projects supported 81 initiatives across every state and territory, helping local councils and state and territory governments improve connections to schools, workplaces, services and recreational areas.”
“Pearce is one of the largest- and fastest-growing electorates, stretching across outer suburban and semi-rural communities in northern Perth and into some of Western Australia's growing areas. In communities like ours, transport connections are not just about getting from one place to another; they are about safety, access and liveability. For example, when there are missing footpaths, unsafe crossings or poor links to public transport, people feel it every day. The 2026-27 budget delivers an additional $500 million for the Active Transport Fund, bringing the Albanese Labor government's total commitment to active transport infrastructure to $600 million. That means $50 million will be available each year for the next 10 years to support new and upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure across Australia.”
“The incorporated speech read as follows Today I would like to commend the Albanese Labor government for its ongoing commitment to improving road safety for vulnerable road users and for building more connected and liveable communities through continued investment in active transport infrastructure. This is a practical investment in the everyday lives of Australians. It is about making it safer and easier for people to walk, ride and move around their communities. It is about giving families more transport choices, and it is about building communities where people can get to school, work, shops, services and local facilities without always relying on the car.”
“With the right policy settings, targeted investment and ongoing collaboration between government and industry, we can support the grape and wine sector through transition and position it for a stronger, more sustainable future. This is about backing regional Australia. It is about supporting an industry that has shaped our national identity. And it is about ensuring communities—like those in my electorate—continue to thrive for generations to come.”
“A wine business viability and transition program will also be critical, ensuring that those who choose to remain in the industry are supported to adapt and those who choose to exit can do so with dignity, certainty and a pathway forward. At the same time, rebuilding demand remains essential, through stronger export markets, diversification and the reinforcing of Australia's global reputation for quality and innovation. More broadly, the Albanese Labor government has invested over $1 billion in rural support and drought resilience, helping farmers prepare for and respond to changing conditions. We are also strengthening the Rural Financial Counselling Service, ensuring farmers and small businesses facing hardship can access free, independent advice when they need it most.”
“We are also supporting export diversification through Austrade's $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative, ensuring Australian wine continues to reach new and emerging markets. In addition, we have backed the development of a national vineyard register, progressed a mandatory code of conduct for grape purchases to ensure fairer dealings, partnered with the South Australian government on the SA Wine Recovery Program and funded the Grape and Wine Sector Long-term Viability Support Package. I acknowledge the work of Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated and their $139.25 million proposal to address structural challenges. It is a practical and strategic plan that deserves serious consideration.”
“Behind these figures are real consequences such as unsold crops, difficult business decisions, tightening margins and growing uncertainty for regional communities. These challenges are not cyclical; they require a coordinated and forward-looking response. That is why targeted support is essential. The Albanese government has delivered more than $90 million in support for the sector. We extended the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant program, with $30 million over three years to help regional businesses attract visitors and grow local economies. From 1 July 2026, the WET rebate cap will increase to $400,000, providing eligible producers with up to $50,000 in additional support each year to strengthen cashflow and invest in adaptation.”
“In my electorate, wineries such as Paul Conti Wines are not just businesses but community institutions supporting tourism, creating jobs, mentoring local workers, and showcasing Australian produce to the world. The sector underpins a broader ecosystem. Hospitality, tourism, freight and exports all rely on its success. When the sector performs well, it drives regional growth. When it struggles, the impacts ripple across entire communities, and, right now, the industry is under sustained pressure. In 2024-25, production exceeded sales by 52 million litres, reflecting a deeper structural imbalance. Global consumption has fallen to its lowest level since 1961, and the market is forecast to shrink by a further eight per cent over the next five years—equivalent to a loss of around 1.5 billion litres.”
“The incorporated speech read as follows I would like to speak on the importance of Australia's grape and wine sector and the urgent need to support its future. This is an industry that is not only iconic but foundational to our rural and regional communities. It contributes more than $51 billion to the economy and supports over 203,000 jobs, many in areas with limited alternative employment. These figures represent families, livelihoods, small businesses and communities built over generations, where the success of one vineyard often supports an entire local economy. Australia is home to 65 wine regions, more than 2,000 winemakers and over 5,000 grapegrowers. From the Swan Valley to Margaret River, these regions are central to local identity.”
“Ultimately, this legislation is about protecting Australian communities. It is about protecting public health. It is about supporting legitimate businesses. And it is about ensuring organised crime groups do not continue profiting at the expense of community safety and wellbeing. The people of Pearce expect strong action against organised crime and stronger protections for local communities. This bill delivers important reforms to support that goal. I commend the bill to the House.”
“That collaboration is essential because organised crime does not recognise state borders, and effective enforcement cannot operate in silos. Communities expect coordination, cooperation and practical outcomes. This bill helps deliver that. It represents a serious response to a serious and growing problem. And, while legislation alone will not solve every aspect of illicit tobacco activity overnight, these reforms provide law enforcement agencies with stronger tools to disrupt criminal operations and hold offenders accountable. Every seizure matters. Every prosecution matters. Every illegal shopfront shut down matters. Every dollar taken from organised crime matters. Each action increases pressure on the illicit market and helps reduce the profitability of criminal activity.”
“People do not want to see illegal tobacco stores normalised in local shopping precincts. They do not want criminal activity becoming embedded in everyday community life. They want action that restores confidence that laws are being enforced properly and consistently. This legislation is an important part of that response. It strengthens penalties. It strengthens enforcement powers. It strengthens proceeds-of-crime laws. And it strengthens cooperation between agencies working to disrupt organised criminal networks. Importantly, it also recognises that this challenge cannot be addressed by one level of government acting alone. The Commonwealth, states and territories must continue working together to close illegal operations, strengthen enforcement and reduce the profitability of illicit tobacco markets.”
“The impacts are felt in our health system, in community safety, in legitimate businesses and in the wellbeing of families. The costs are ultimately borne by all Australians. The illicit tobacco market also creates broader economic harm. Legitimate retailers who comply with the law face unfair competition from illegal operators selling unregulated products without paying appropriate duties or complying with health requirements. Local businesses should not be placed at a disadvantage because criminal operators choose to ignore the law. Communities expect fairness. They expect that businesses doing the right thing are protected and that criminal enterprises are held accountable. The people of Pearce also expect governments to respond decisively when organised crime becomes more visible in suburban communities.”
“Cheap and accessible illegal tobacco products undermine decades of public health work. They make harmful products easier to obtain and can increase uptake, particularly among younger Australians and vulnerable groups. The rise in illegal vaping products is especially concerning. Parents in Pearce regularly raise concerns about the accessibility of vaping products to young people. They are worried about how easily these products can be obtained and the long-term health consequences associated with nicotine addiction. Communities want stronger enforcement and stronger safeguards to protect young Australians from becoming the next generation targeted by nicotine dependency. This bill forms part of that broader effort. It recognises that illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime.”
“Every delay, every procedural inconsistency and every gap between jurisdictions can be exploited by organised crime groups. Streamlining and modernising these powers strengthens the national response and improves the effectiveness of investigations. But, beyond the criminal dimension of this issue, we must also acknowledge the significant public health consequences associated with illicit tobacco. Smoking continues to cause immense harm across Australia. Communities across Pearce know the impact that smoking related illness can have on families and individuals. Many families have seen loved ones suffer from cancers, respiratory diseases and chronic health conditions associated with long-term tobacco use. That is why allowing a large-scale illicit tobacco market to flourish presents such a serious risk.”
“These reforms build on that work and strengthen the capacity for agencies to act collectively and effectively. Importantly, this bill also modernises aspects of the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure law enforcement agencies have powers that reflect contemporary criminal activity and contemporary investigative practices. Criminal organisations today operate across state borders and increasingly use complex structures to conceal ownership, assets and financial flows. Law enforcement agencies need nationally consistent powers to respond effectively. These amendments improve consistency in the way orders and investigative powers can be applied across Australia and reduce unnecessary barriers that can slow investigations. That may sound technical, but it has very real impacts.”
“Taking away the proceeds of crime—whether that be cash, luxury vehicles, property or other assets—is one of the most effective ways to dismantle criminal networks. The reforms also improve information sharing between agencies and regulators. This reflects the reality that combating illicit tobacco requires a coordinated national effort involving Commonwealth agencies, state and territory governments, financial regulators, law enforcement bodies and border authorities. The work already being undertaken by agencies such as AUSTRAC, the Australian Federal Police and other authorities is making a difference. High-risk financial accounts linked to illicit tobacco activity are being identified and shut down. Suspicious financial transactions are being monitored more closely. Regulatory cooperation is increasing.”
“The bill also strengthens Australia's proceeds-of-crime framework, and this is a particularly important part of the reforms. One of the clearest messages communities in Pearce send is that organised criminals should not be allowed to keep the profits they make from harming Australian communities. People are rightly frustrated when criminal enterprises continue operating because the financial rewards outweigh the risks. That is why targeting criminal profits is essential. This legislation strengthens the ability of authorities to seize unexplained wealth, confiscate criminal assets and disrupt the financial structures that sustain illicit tobacco operations. While prosecutions are important, we know that organised crime is ultimately driven by profit.”
“This legislation expands access to powers that support the investigation and disruption of organised criminal networks involved in illicit tobacco. That includes strengthening telecommunications interception capabilities and enabling more effective surveillance and investigative techniques for serious tobacco related offences. These powers matter because organised crime does not operate through isolated individuals. These are coordinated criminal enterprises using encrypted communications, financial networks and sophisticated supply chains. Effective investigations require modern tools that allow authorities to identify the organisers, financiers and facilitators behind the trade—not just the individuals working at the retail level.”
“These networks function like multinational businesses. They exploit weaknesses in regulation, move money rapidly across borders and take advantage of what they perceive to be a high-profit, low-risk criminal enterprise. This bill seeks to change that equation. It increases penalties for offences relating to the importation, manufacture, possession, sale and supply of illicit tobacco products. These stronger penalties are designed to act as a deterrent and reflect the seriousness of the harm these activities cause to the Australian community. Importantly, the bill also strengthens investigatory powers available to law enforcement agencies. As criminal activity evolves, law enforcement must have the tools necessary to keep pace.”
“When illegal shopfronts appear to operate openly and repeatedly without consequence, people lose faith that the rules are being enforced fairly. That is why this legislation is so important. This bill sends a clear message that Australia will not allow organised criminal networks to profit from illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products at the expense of public health and community safety. The purpose of this legislation is straightforward: to increase the consequences for criminal actors involved in the illicit tobacco market and to strengthen the powers available to law enforcement agencies investigating these offences. The reforms recognise that the illicit tobacco trade has changed significantly in recent years. Criminal syndicates are now highly organised, technologically sophisticated and operating across jurisdictions.”
“The overwhelming majority of vaping products sold in Australia are estimated to be illegal. These products are often unregulated, frequently targeted at younger Australians, and sold through networks designed entirely to avoid scrutiny and accountability. People in Pearce understand that when organised crime becomes profitable, communities suffer. Local families want safe neighbourhoods. Parents want confidence that products being sold near schools and shopping centres are lawful and regulated. Small business owners who do the right thing are frustrated watching illegal operators undercut legitimate businesses while facing few apparent consequences. Communities are also concerned about the broader impacts this trade is having on social cohesion and public confidence.”