Secret Philip Morris session at tobacco inquiry prompts backlash from health groups

A decision to hear Philip Morris behind closed doors at a parliamentary inquiry into illegal tobacco has sparked anger from health groups and prompted the federal Health Minister, Mark Butler, to seek further information. The inquiry paused without explanation before resuming with Greens senator Jordon Steele-John announcing that representatives of the cigarette company had provided evidence in private.

Philip Morris was not on the public schedule for the session, and two company representatives appeared in person. Multiple sources said the witnesses’ names were withheld due to safety concerns. Committee chair and Liberal senator Leah Blyth told the inquiry that transcripts of the closed session will be released in due course, with the identities of the Philip Morris witnesses redacted.

The inquiry, led by Senator Blyth, is examining Australia’s illegal tobacco market and is due to report by the middle of the year. Authorities describe the illicit market as a growing problem for federal and state governments and law enforcement. It has fuelled violence between crime cartels, including business firebombings and a spate of robberies.

Organised crime groups earned between $4.1 billion and $6.9 billion in profit from the illicit tobacco trade in 2024–25. More than half of all tobacco products now sold in Australia are illegal, according to a report by the Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner.

After giving his own evidence immediately following the private session, Lung Foundation Australia chief executive Mark Brooke criticised what he called a double standard. “We put our names and faces out in front of organised crime gangs. How is that fair and reasonable?” he said, before his remarks were cut short.

Mr Butler said he is seeking more details about what occurred. The committee’s report is expected by mid-year, and the redacted transcript of the Philip Morris evidence is slated for release ahead of that.