NSW Premier Urges Federal Action Against Illegal Tobacco Trade
Chris Minns calls for a crackdown on the expanding black market amid rising violence linked to illegal tobacco sales.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has called on the federal government to intervene in addressing the burgeoning illegal tobacco market, citing an escalation of associated criminal activities in Sydney and across the state.
The premier expressed concerns that the illegal tobacco trade is pervasive, creating significant public safety issues, including fire bombings, drive-by shootings, armed robberies, and gang conflicts.
Currently, enforcement against illegal tobacco sales falls under the purview of the state health department; however, Premier Minns advocates for a shift in responsibility to the police.
In his view, the health department's focus should remain on healthcare services rather than law enforcement.
He stated, 'We want the health department running hospitals, not conducting criminal investigations.'
At present, the state is equipped with approximately 20 compliance officers dedicated to monitoring illegal tobacco activities.
Recruitment efforts are underway to expand this team.
In stark contrast, there is only one officer assigned in southern NSW to oversee illegal tobacco and vape sales across an area comparable in size to Denmark.
Opposition health minister Kellie Sloane criticized the government’s resources allocated to tackle this issue, likening the enforcement efforts to 'shooting a water pistol at a tidal wave.' Meanwhile, the suggestion of redirecting police resources has prompted concerns regarding potential understaffing in critical policing areas.
Sources indicate that law enforcement officials are dissatisfied with the notion of taking on this additional responsibility.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman remarked on the situation, asserting that the issue at hand necessitates greater resources than are currently in place, framing the premier's call as an attempt to deflect responsibility.
On the federal level, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has indicated that cutting existing tobacco excise taxes, designed to deter cigarette smoking, is not under consideration.
Instead, an additional funding allocation of $157 million has been proposed to bolster efforts in policing illegal tobacco sales.
The premier expressed concerns that the illegal tobacco trade is pervasive, creating significant public safety issues, including fire bombings, drive-by shootings, armed robberies, and gang conflicts.
Currently, enforcement against illegal tobacco sales falls under the purview of the state health department; however, Premier Minns advocates for a shift in responsibility to the police.
In his view, the health department's focus should remain on healthcare services rather than law enforcement.
He stated, 'We want the health department running hospitals, not conducting criminal investigations.'
At present, the state is equipped with approximately 20 compliance officers dedicated to monitoring illegal tobacco activities.
Recruitment efforts are underway to expand this team.
In stark contrast, there is only one officer assigned in southern NSW to oversee illegal tobacco and vape sales across an area comparable in size to Denmark.
Opposition health minister Kellie Sloane criticized the government’s resources allocated to tackle this issue, likening the enforcement efforts to 'shooting a water pistol at a tidal wave.' Meanwhile, the suggestion of redirecting police resources has prompted concerns regarding potential understaffing in critical policing areas.
Sources indicate that law enforcement officials are dissatisfied with the notion of taking on this additional responsibility.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman remarked on the situation, asserting that the issue at hand necessitates greater resources than are currently in place, framing the premier's call as an attempt to deflect responsibility.
On the federal level, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has indicated that cutting existing tobacco excise taxes, designed to deter cigarette smoking, is not under consideration.
Instead, an additional funding allocation of $157 million has been proposed to bolster efforts in policing illegal tobacco sales.
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