The New South Wales (NSW) government is implementing stringent measures to combat the illegal tobacco trade in Sydney. Under new legislation, offenders could face prison sentences of up to seven years and financial penalties reaching $1.5 million for selling illegal tobacco products. This legislative push aims to dismantle the burgeoning market for illicit cigarettes that has proliferated in recent years.
Health Minister Ryan Park announced these changes, which include enhanced powers for NSW Health to close businesses found selling illegal tobacco or vapes. The proposed bill will enable authorities to issue short-term closure orders of 90 days and longer orders of up to 12 months following a court ruling. Park characterized the new laws as “the toughest in the country” and emphasized the urgency behind the initiative, stating that the community’s patience has worn thin.
Stricter Penalties and Landlord Accountability
The anticipated laws will introduce similar penalties for possession of commercial quantities of illegal tobacco and vaping products. Additionally, landlords will be empowered to terminate leases if closure orders are in effect. On Sunday, Park confirmed that the government will consult on potential laws that would make it an offense for landlords to knowingly lease premises to illegal tobacco and vape sellers.
The crackdown is a direct response to the alarming growth of the illicit tobacco market. Reports indicate that there are approximately 60 tobacconists for every McDonald’s restaurant in Sydney. The Australian Border Force estimates that criminal organizations control around three-quarters of the illegal tobacco trade, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Park 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.” He expressed the government’s commitment to disrupt the operations of illegal suppliers, reinforcing the administration’s stance against the spread of illicit tobacco sales.
Calls for Federal Action and Ongoing Challenges
Premier Chris Minns had previously urged the federal government to consider reducing tobacco excise taxes, arguing that escalating costs of legal cigarettes have driven consumers toward the black market. However, federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has dismissed any possibility of such tax reductions, prompting Park to take matters into his own hands. “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 stated.
The opposition Coalition has also advocated for stricter penalties regarding illegal tobacco. Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane emphasized the need to protect future generations from “criminal operators selling cheap, addictive poison under the counter.” The proposed changes reflect a broader consensus on the urgency of addressing this public health issue.
As the NSW parliament prepares to reconvene next month, the proposed legislation represents a critical step in the fight against illegal tobacco trade, aiming to safeguard public health and restore order in the marketplace.
