The government of Western Australia is intensifying efforts to combat the illegal tobacco trade, with Premier Roger Cook announcing a new strategy that includes legislation aimed at shutting down illegal shops and imposing stricter penalties on offenders. This initiative comes in response to the rising incidents of violence linked to the illicit tobacco market, including recent arson attacks on two stores in as many days.
During a recent address, Premier Cook revealed that new laws are currently being drafted to empower authorities to close down illegal tobacco operations. Currently, the Department of Health has the authority to seize illicit tobacco products and prosecute offenders. Under the proposed legislation, operators of illegal shops could face closure orders alongside increased fines. Cook stated, “I have made my position clear — these tobacco thugs must be stopped,” emphasizing the need for a comprehensive government response to what he described as organized crime.
In an immediate move to bolster enforcement, Cook announced the recruitment of experienced police officers from both active duty and retirement to join the Department of Health’s inspection team targeting illegal tobacco sales. Effective immediately, Superintendent Steve Post, a veteran with over 40 years of experience, will lead this new team. The initiative aims to deter unlawful activities by deploying seasoned officers during inspections, with the hope that their presence will help de-escalate tensions in the ongoing tobacco war.
Cook’s government believes the complex nature of illegal tobacco operations requires a fresh approach to compliance enforcement. The proposed legislation aims to position Western Australia among the states with the toughest laws against illegal tobacco sales. Superintendent Post, who has been dubbed a “Tobacco Tsar,” reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to addressing threats posed by illegal operators, stating, “Those who are engaging in this unlawful behaviour, and the organized crime syndicates behind it, will now find it even more difficult to conduct their illegal business under this new arrangement.”
The illegal tobacco trade has become a significant issue across Australia, with criminal gangs vying for control over this lucrative market. Cigarettes sold illegally are often priced significantly lower than legal products, attracting a wide customer base. Other states have already implemented stringent penalties to curb this trade, while Western Australia has faced criticism for lagging in legislative action.
Concerns regarding enforcement capabilities have also been raised, as reported by The West Australian, which noted that inspections of convenience stores and tobacconists had fallen to a five-year low, with only 751 checks conducted in 2025. Former Labor premier Peter Dowding, who was instrumental in passing WA’s Tobacco Act, expressed confusion over the delay in introducing tougher laws, stating, “I simply can’t understand the pace of it.”
With the WA Parliament set to resume in February 2025 after a summer break, Premier Cook assured the public that the new tobacco legislation would be prioritized. “Western Australians should be reassured that new legislation will be introduced to Parliament as a priority — but it’s important we get it right,” he said.
Police Minister Reece Whitby echoed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that criminal gangs involved in the illegal tobacco trade, along with associated violent activities, will be targeted aggressively. “From tomorrow, enforcement ramps up with the deployment of a senior police officer with over four decades of experience, going inside the Health Department to boost action against illicit tobacco operators,” Whitby stated.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat defended the efforts made thus far to combat the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes, stating that dedicated enforcement teams are working diligently to protect the community. “The nature of this reprehensible trade is changing rapidly, and we need to support our enforcement team to respond accordingly,” she noted, highlighting the importance of expanding intelligence and enforcement capabilities.
As the Western Australia government prepares to implement these changes, the focus remains on disrupting the illegal tobacco trade and ensuring public safety amidst growing concerns over organized crime and violence linked to this illicit market.
