In a secret Senate hearing, tobacco giant Philip Morris warned that the rising illegal tobacco trade in Australia could eliminate legal tobacco products by 2030. The company claims that illegal sales currently constitute 50-60% of the market, valued at approximately $6.9 billion. This closed-door session has sparked criticism from health advocates and government officials, who argue it undermines transparency commitments established under the World Health Organization (WHO) framework convention on tobacco control. The federal government's illicit tobacco commissioner has expressed concerns that tobacco manufacturers may be complicit in illegal markets. Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized the need for transparency, urging all MPs to adhere to WHO guidelines. Advocates from organizations like the Cancer Council and the Australian Council on Smoking and Health criticized the secrecy of the hearing, calling for stronger enforcement against illegal tobacco operations and expressing skepticism about the motives of tobacco companies.