Canberra public servant Amber Shuhyta is Australia’s new Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette (ITEC) Commissioner.
Previously the Assistant Secretary, Primary Care Strategy/Access and Integration at the Department of Health and Aged Care, Ms Shuhyta takes over from interim ITEC Commissioner Erin Dale who has been establishing the Office of the ITEC Commissioner over the past 12 months.
Federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the ITEC Commissioner would coordinate national efforts to combat the threat of illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes to the Australian community.
“As ITEC Commissioner, Ms Shuhyta will support the development and implementation of national strategies, drive whole-of-government outcomes and a unified, national response to illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes,” Minister Burke said.
He said Ms Shuhyta had also previously worked as the Acting Group Manager, Women’s Safety at the Department of Social Services, where she expanded programs across Australia and drove national consistency for flagship activities such as 1800Respect.
“Ms Shuhyta’s appointment reinforces the Government’s commitment to stamping out the black market trade in nicotine products to protect the Australian community.
“The ITEC Commissioner will work side by side with state and territory authorities, to assist those jurisdictions with the challenges caused by the scourge of illicit tobacco.”
