Representatives from tobacco company Philip Morris gave evidence on May 4 in a closed "in camera" session before an Australian Senate committee investigating the illegal tobacco trade in the country [1]. The committee is chaired by South Australian Liberal senator Leah Blyth and also heard testimony from anti-smoking campaigners, health organisations, and the Australian Border Force during public sessions [1].
The private session with Philip Morris was not publicly listed in the committee’s official hearing program, raising concerns about transparency [1]. Labor and Greens senators, along with the Australian Council on Smoking and Health, criticized the decision to allow tobacco industry representatives to give evidence privately, arguing it undermines efforts to protect public health [1].
Senator Jordon Steele-John of the Greens said, "We have just taken evidence in camera from Philip Morris. I shared with them during our exchanges my opposition to their presence in this inquiry as witnesses" [1]. Labor senator Jana Stewart and Senator Steele-John pledged to make a transcript of the closed session public [1].
Laura Hunter, CEO of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health, said, "I am concerned that individuals or organisations with links to the tobacco industry have been invited to participate in this inquiry" [1].
Health Minister Mark Butler had warned the committee chair against inviting tobacco industry representatives, citing the World Health Organization’s guidelines to protect tobacco control policies from industry interference, in a letter sent on May 1 [1].
The committee’s handling of the tobacco company’s participation highlights tensions between government members and opposition over the inquiry’s procedures. The next scheduled public hearings continue this week with further submissions from health groups and enforcement agencies [1].
