Illegal Tobacco Trade

Mr BATTY (Bragg) (14:50): My question is to the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs. How many prosecutions have been commenced since the government announced its new enforcement measures on illegal tobacco?

The Hon. A. MICHAELS (Enfield—Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Minister for Arts) (14:51): As I said earlier, those prosecution briefs are being prepared. It takes some time to prepare prosecution briefs. Those prosecution briefs are being prepared and that work is being undertaken as quickly as possible. We are three or four months into this. Certainly, by having almost $2 million worth of product taken off the street, having over 200 inspections and raids undertaken in a matter of months and being able to actually stand up an entire team within CBS that is completely new, the team at CBS has done a remarkable job in a matter of months. That work will continue.

It is critically important that we get this under control. Nobody wants to see what has happened in Victoria flow over the border to South Australia. That's why we're taking action. We are not deluded as to how significant this task is, but that is why CBS is acting and why we are working with SAPOL and Border Force to get this under control.