Big tobacco is exploiting fears of the illicit market to unwind health gains, Australian experts warn
inquiry into booming illicit sales attracted controversy this month when Guardian Australia revealed it had [held a secret hearing for Philip Morris executives](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/05/philip-morris-uses-secret-senate-hearing-to-warn-tobacco-in-australia-could-wipe-out-legal-trade-by-2030), ending more than 15 years of precedent under Australia