Australia establishes a new national task force to combat the illegal tobacco market, led by Interior Minister Tony Burke.
Key points
- Australia has formed a new national task force to combat illegal tobacco and address the issues of the black market tobacco trade.
- Minister of Home Affairs Tony Burke stated that multiple departments need to coordinate to track and combat criminal organizations.
- Illegal tobacco accounts for 64% of tobacco consumption in Australia, severely impacting the federal budget.
- The government has invested over 350 million Australian dollars in combating illegal tobacco and nicotine products.
New Multi-Agency Group Formed to Combat Organized Crime
October 17, 2025 — Australia’s federal government has launched a new multi-agency task force. The National Disruption Group, to combat the growing illicit tobacco market and its ties to organized crime networks.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told ABC’s Insiders that stronger coordination across agencies was essential, as criminal operations involving illicit tobacco, arson, narcotics, and child exploitation had become increasingly interconnected.
- “The same criminal groups are involved across these threats,” Burke said. “If there is a convergence of threats, there must be a convergence of protection.”
Coordinated Effort Across Multiple Government Agencies
The National Disruption Group will be led by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and will include:
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The Australian Federal Police (AFP)
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State police agencies
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AUSTRAC
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The Criminal Intelligence Commission
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The Tax Office (ATO)
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The Departments of Home Affairs, Health, and Agriculture
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Services Australia and the Illicit Tobacco Commissioner
This collaboration is designed to share intelligence and streamline enforcement across all levels of government.
Focus on Disrupting Mid-Level Operators and Enablers
The task force will prioritize targeting mid-level operators and “enablers” — such as small businesses and independent traders involved in importing, distributing, or selling illegal tobacco.
Its strategy will span pre-border intelligence gathering, border interception, warehousing oversight, and financial tracking to disrupt the illicit supply chain.
Major Federal Investment and Funding
The initiative will be funded by AU$188.5 million previously allocated to the Australian Border Force for anti-illicit tobacco operations.
In total, federal spending to combat illegal tobacco and nicotine products has now surpassed AU$350 million since last year, reflecting the government’s intensified enforcement focus.
Legislative and Regulatory Reforms Under Consideration
Beyond enforcement, the National Disruption Group will explore potential legislative and regulatory reforms aimed at tightening penalties and closing loopholes that allow individuals or entities to profit from the illicit tobacco and vaping trade.
Health and Economic Impacts of the Illegal Tobacco Market
Health Minister Mark Butler described illegal tobacco as Australia’s “most significant public health threat.”
Turf wars between organised crime groups over control of the illegal tobacco trade have sparked arson and violence in Victoria and New South Wales, while government excise revenue has fallen despite repeated tobacco tax increases.
