Lung Foundation Australia condemns secrecy in illicit tobacco inquiry 

Lung Foundation Australia has strongly condemned the decision to allow Philip Morris International to provide evidence behind closed doors as part of the ongoing illicit tobacco inquiry at Parliament House, warning the move undermines transparency and public trust on a critical health issue.

Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said Australians deserve full visibility on matters that directly impact public health, particularly when it comes to the growing threat of illicit tobacco.

“Illicit tobacco is a serious and growing public health threat. It fuels addiction, undermines regulation, and puts more Australians at risk of lung disease,” Mr Brooke said.

“To allow a tobacco company to give evidence behind closed doors on an issue of this scale is deeply concerning. Transparency must be non-negotiable.”

“Our position is clear. We need stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, and decisive action to shut down illegal operators, not secrecy.”