The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced stringent measures against illegal tobacco sales, introducing potential prison sentences of up to seven years and imposing hefty fines. This initiative aims to combat Sydney’s burgeoning illicit cigarette market, which has drawn increasing scrutiny and concern from health officials and the community.
Health Minister Ryan Park revealed that the new legislation, described as “the toughest in the country,” will include maximum penalties of $1.5 million for those involved in the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products. Under the proposed laws, NSW Health will gain the authority to issue short-term business closure orders lasting 90 days and extendable to 12 months with a court order.
The government plans to consult on further measures that would make it an offence for landlords to knowingly lease properties to illegal tobacco retailers. These changes, first mentioned by Premier Chris Minns, are set to be introduced when parliament reconvenes next month.
The crackdown is a response to the alarming growth of the illegal tobacco trade. Reports indicate that there are approximately 60 tobacconists for every McDonald’s in Sydney. The Australian Border Force estimates that criminal organizations control about three-quarters of this market, underscoring the scale of the issue.
Park emphasized that the new measures aim to disrupt the existing business model of illegal tobacco sales. He stated, “It is all about trying to get on top of the growing amount of premises that we’re seeing right across our communities, our suburbs, our towns, and our cities across New South Wales popping up.” He added that the community’s patience has worn thin, and decisive action is necessary to mitigate the spread of illegal operations.
While the Minns government seeks to implement these local regulations, it has also engaged with the federal government regarding tobacco excise taxes. Minns previously called for a reduction in these taxes, arguing that the increased cost of legal cigarettes has driven consumers to the black market. However, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has ruled out such alterations, prompting Park to express his determination to act independently of federal decisions. “To be perfectly honest, I don’t have the time, nor do I have the patience to wait around to see if there’s going to be any more movement on a federal excise,” he remarked.
The opposition, led by Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane, has previously advocated for stricter penalties regarding illegal tobacco sales. Many of the proposed changes by the Labor government mirror those suggestions. Sloane emphasized the importance of protecting future generations from criminal operators distributing “cheap, addictive poison under the counter.”
As the legislation progresses, the NSW government remains focused on curbing the illegal tobacco trade, aiming to restore legality and health standards within the community. The forthcoming parliamentary session promises to shed more light on the detailed provisions of the new laws and their anticipated impact on public health and safety.
