Western Australia is stepping up its efforts against illegal tobacco sales, as Premier Roger Cook announced plans to introduce tougher legislation and recruit retired police officers to combat the escalating issue. The government’s initiative aims to address the rising prevalence of illicit tobacco operations that have increasingly drawn the attention of organized crime.
During a recent address, Cook outlined the forthcoming legislation that will empower authorities to shut down illegal tobacco shops and impose stricter penalties on offenders. Currently, the Department of Health has the authority to seize illicit tobacco products and prosecute those operating outside the law. The proposed measures would enhance these powers, allowing for closure orders against unlawful operators.
“I have made my position clear — these tobacco thugs must be stopped,” Cook stated. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive government response to tackle organized crime linked to the illegal tobacco trade, asserting that Western Australia will have some of the strongest tobacco laws in the country once the new measures are enacted.
As part of the immediate action plan, the Premier announced the establishment of a specialized team within the Department of Health, led by Superintendent Steve Post, a veteran officer with 40 years of experience. The team will focus on inspecting illegal tobacco shops, with an appeal to both retired and current police officers to join the effort.
The government believes that the presence of experienced officers during inspections will help mitigate the ongoing violence associated with the illegal tobacco trade, which recently saw two stores set ablaze in rapid succession. The increasing complexity of these operations, along with their connections to organized crime, necessitates a strategic and robust approach to compliance enforcement.
The illicit tobacco market is substantial, with illegal cigarettes often sold at significantly lower prices than their legal counterparts. Turf wars among criminal groups vying for control of this lucrative trade have become increasingly common across Australia. While other states have implemented strict penalties to combat the illegal market, Western Australia has faced criticism for its slower response to the issue.
Former Labor Premier Peter Dowding, who was instrumental in passing Western Australia’s Tobacco Act, voiced his concerns regarding the delay in introducing new legislation. “I simply can’t understand the pace of it,” Dowding remarked, highlighting the need for urgency in addressing the issue.
The WA Parliament is scheduled to reconvene in February 2025, and Cook has promised that introducing the new tobacco legislation will be a priority. “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 noted.
Police Minister Reece Whitby reinforced the government’s commitment to taking decisive action against criminal gangs involved in the illegal tobacco trade, which have been linked to violent incidents, including fire-bombings. “Let me be absolutely clear – the criminal gangs behind illegal tobacco, fire-bombings, and shootings in Western Australia will be found, shut down, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Whitby stated.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat defended the current efforts to combat illegal tobacco and vape sales, stressing the need for enhanced resources and intelligence to adapt to the rapidly changing nature of the trade. “Our dedicated health enforcement officers have been working hard to protect Western Australians and keep these harmful products out of our shops,” she said.
As the government prepares to ramp up enforcement measures, they remain focused on leveraging every tool available to disrupt the illegal tobacco trade and safeguard the community. The collaboration between health enforcement and experienced police personnel marks a significant shift in strategy aimed at addressing the complex challenges posed by the illicit tobacco market.
