Mr. Joe Sweeney:

As an organisation, we instruct our members to adhere to the law and any regulations passed down from Government. In speaking to retailers, I am happy to say they are aware of the health issues and their responsibility in that area.

With regard to Senator Crown's effort to ban tobacco altogether, our organisation is working on the theory that tobacco will eventually be banned from sale completely. We are working towards the idea that the sale of tobacco will be banned, so we will have to replace it with some other categories which will help us to stay in business and remain profitable.

At the moment, it is true that tobacco sales account on average for 30% of retailers' and newsagents' business. To stay in business, it is almost a vital part of a retailers' business at the moment. Currently, it is a legal product and we want the Government to ensure it is sold through our legitimate sources. That is the only way they can fully implement the health regulations.