Newly released figures reveal that an alarming 35 people are hospitalised each day in Western Australia due to tobacco-related illnesses. This troubling statistic has been highlighted by the Opposition as evidence of the growing impact of illegal tobacco sales that remain largely unchecked. During the last financial year, Western Australia recorded a staggering 12,924 “tobacco-attributable” hospitalisations, which required nearly 65,000 bed days. Based on previous estimates, the financial burden on taxpayers is projected to exceed $129 million.
Libby Mettam, Shadow Health Minister, described these figures as astonishing. “Every single day, 35 West Australians are admitted to hospital because of tobacco-related harm, placing even more pressure on an already over-stretched hospital system,” she stated. Mettam underscored the rising smoking rates and the accessibility of illegal tobacco, attributing the situation to the “weakest laws in the country” aimed at tackling this dangerous black market.
Despite a modest 2 percent increase in hospitalisations for the 2024-25 period, which aligns with population growth and is lower than the peak of 13,087 tobacco-linked hospitalisations recorded in 2018-19, public health advocates express concern. Smoking rates in the state are reversing a decades-long decline. The statistics are particularly alarming for the Indigenous community, with tobacco-linked hospitalisations rising to 2,725 in 2024-25, compared to 2,139 in 2017-18. Mettam labelled the 27 percent increase as a “shameful” reflection of the Cook Government’s failures.
In response to these escalating issues, Premier Roger Cook announced plans to recruit retired police officers to form a new squad dedicated to enhancing inspections by the Department of Health. This team will target retailers selling vapes and illegal cigarettes. “The Minister for Preventative Health is responsible for ensuring that we’ve got the policy settings right to create greater well-being and better health opportunities,” Cook stated, emphasizing the need to clamp down on organised tobacco activities.
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas dismissed the announcement as a “smoke screen,” suggesting that it lacked the necessary legislative changes for immediate enforcement, such as same-day shop closure orders already implemented in other states. Police Minister Reece Whitby acknowledged the frustration surrounding the current limitations, stating that while fines can be imposed, shutting down shops requires new legislation.
Superintendent Steve Post, who will lead the new enforcement squad, has pledged to begin operations immediately. “I will immediately be looking to recruit… But we will start tomorrow,” he affirmed. Post warned those involved in illicit activities to reconsider, promising strengthened enforcement measures.
Health experts welcomed the increase in compliance inspectors, raising their numbers toward 40. However, they insist that new powers to close down shops are critical. Laura Hunger, Chief Executive of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health, noted that “this signals the WA Government is getting serious.” She added that updating tobacco legislation must be a priority, advocating for a clear timeline for implementation.
While Premier Cook has not provided a specific deadline for new legislation, he indicated that it would be introduced within the year. He clarified that the establishment of the new tobacco squad does not imply previous efforts were insufficient. “No, the new unit is an acknowledgment that this situation has become more complex,” Cook stated. “As the Minister for Police just pointed out, we’ve seen significant arrest activity. We’ve seen significant confiscation of illicit substances and products.”
Health Minister Meredith Hammat cautioned smokers against purchasing cheaper illicit products, emphasizing that such choices fuel criminal activities. “Don’t buy illicit tobacco. Don’t support those retail stores,” she urged, highlighting the serious implications of the ongoing tobacco crisis in Western Australia.
