Dr. Shirley Bowen, the Health Director-General of Western Australia, is facing tough questions regarding her department’s response to rising violence in the illicit tobacco market. This scrutiny follows a series of arson attacks targeting tobacco retailers in the region, with the latest incident occurring at the Candy Station store in Ballajura just hours after another store, the Ashtar tobacconist, was destroyed by fire.
On Thursday, emergency services responded to reports of a fire at Candy Station around 04:00 local time. Authorities have classified this incident as a targeted attack, part of a troubling pattern in an ongoing conflict among tobacco retailers. This recent fire at Candy Station marks the second serious incident in just 24 hours, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of current enforcement measures.
Calls for Stronger Enforcement and Legislation
Dr. Bowen stated that tackling the illicit tobacco market has grown increasingly complex, despite the department possessing the authority to seize and prosecute offenders. “We do have powers to seize and prosecute, but there’s quite a significant process around that,” she explained. “Over the last year, we’ve had targeted blitzes, lots of activity. It is more complex work than it ever has been.”
When pressed about why her team is not conducting regular raids on rogue retailers, Dr. Bowen suggested that while the situation may appear straightforward, enforcement actions involve nuanced challenges. “I’m sure it sounds very simple, but it’s not the case,” she remarked. “They can go back, and they are going back. Lots has been done, actually, and we have been working on the policy parameters, looking at interstate and really working together with police.”
Despite Dr. Bowen’s reassurances, the situation remains dire. The Ashtar tobacconist was previously targeted in August, when offenders broke in and set the store ablaze. These incidents have raised alarm within the community and among local officials, prompting calls for immediate legislative action.
Government Response to Rising Violence
The Cook Government is under increasing pressure to implement tougher laws that would empower police to close stores selling illicit cigarettes immediately. Roger Cook, the state’s Health Minister, has stated that new legislation is being drafted and is a top priority. “I have made my position clear — I will crush this industry and drive these people out of business. These tobacco thugs need to be stopped,” Cook said, emphasizing the need for effective legislation to combat the violence.
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has urged the government to expedite the legislative process, calling for the proposed laws to be ready for Parliament on the first sitting day of 2026. “Premier, please, on behalf of the people of Western Australia – mate, do your job,” Zempilas implored. “Bring that legislation in and stop incidents like this happening, it will cost somebody their life — somebody will be seriously injured, and Premier, if you do nothing, this will be on you.”
The ongoing violence in the tobacco market highlights significant challenges for law enforcement and public health officials in Western Australia. As incidents escalate, the pressure mounts on the government to take decisive action that safeguards both the community and legitimate businesses.
