Thursday, 19 March 2026

 David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:30): (1282) My question is for the Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation. We all know the devastating consequences of the federal government’s tobacco excise tax and what it has done, with an explosion of organised crime, arson, murder and everything else in this state. I know the minister is very well aware of that. One thing that has not been reported as much is that there is also another major excise tax which is causing trouble, which is the alcohol excise tax. I have had unconfirmed reports from many independent sources to my office that in fact counterfeit and smuggled alcohol is starting to happen within organised crime circles. Could the minister outline what is being done to prevent another organised crime explosion in this new market in Victoria?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:31): I thank Mr Limbrick for his question and his interest in this emerging challenge, and I do accept that it is an emerging challenge. It is a challenge that I know the industry have been raising with the Commonwealth, appreciating that the regulation, the excise and the customs control – those powers lie with the Commonwealth, so I think the question is probably better addressed to the Commonwealth government. At the same time I will acknowledge that the Commonwealth do see some challenges here to a certain extent. For many people, liquor is an important recreational pleasure that they enjoy from time to time. That is why I welcomed the Albanese government’s freeze on the excise for beer – so well done to Prime Minister Albanese for that freeze. But of course we do note there are emerging challenges. A lot of them lie within the Commonwealth’s responsibility. I will continue to advocate that we look at the structures there and advocate to make sure that these illegal products are taken off our streets. In terms of what we control, we control some of the packaging and the advertising around this space, and we have already taken significant steps. But I will continue to advocate to ensure that the measures, and especially the excise, as well as some of the other settings at the Commonwealth level are fairly reflected in terms of what consumers can afford, to be frank, and also what can be enjoyed responsibly.

 David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:33): I thank the minister for his answer. My supplementary question is: would the minister commit to getting a briefing from the relevant authorities, whether they be local or federal, and reporting back to the house on the status of this market in Victoria? It seems to be not very well known – just the extent of this and what the challenges are in this emerging problem, as the minister put it.

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:33): I can confirm that I have been briefed by some of the industry stakeholders that already have that research. I am happy to forward it on to Mr Limbrick, because I was actually provided a briefing with more detail on this emerging issue from industry recently in one of my recent meetings. I am happy to forward that on to you, Mr Limbrick.