Joint Statement - Labor Must Act: Illegal Tobacco Crisis Demands Urgent Joint Action

Joint Statement – Labor Must Act: Illegal Tobacco Crisis Demands Urgent Joint Action

Senator The Hon Jonno Duniam, Federal Shadow Minister for Home Affairs

James Newbury, Shadow Attorney-General

Tim McCurdy, Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs

Federal and State Labor Governments have not done enough to dismantle the criminal networks behind Australia’s booming illicit tobacco trade and must urgently tackle this shocking form of crime, including to improve community safety and curtail the skyrocketing cost impacts on many law-abiding businesses.

The Federal and Victorian Opposition are calling on Federal Minister Tony Burke and Victorian Labor Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos to immediately coordinate an improved national and state-led crackdown to restore law and order and protect businesses currently crippled by soaring insurance costs.

“The cost of doing business is already crippling enough for Victorians, and firebombings, extortion and gang violence linked to the illicit tobacco trade are also rapidly spreading fear through communities,” Senator Duniam said.

“This is happening because the Federal and State Labor Governments have completely failed to get control of illegal tobacco. Instead of cracking down on the criminals, their inaction means small businesses are being punished while organised crime flourishes. Clearly State and Federal Labor governments are not taking this national issue seriously enough.”

“Tony Burke should be on the front foot, taking immediate action to make communities safer. That it has taken since the March budget to disseminate funds for the newly announced National Disruption Group is highly concerning,” Senator Duniam said.

Mr Newbury said Victorian Labor’s weak approach had turned the state into a hotspot for illicit tobacco-linked violence and intimidation.

“Illegal tobacco operations are putting lives and livelihoods at risk. Firebombings, extortion and gang violence are wreaking havoc across the state,” Mr Newbury said.

Tony Burke and his state Labor counterparts need to put their heads together, pool their resources, and redirect funding to effective programs immediately to get crime down. We need coordination and commitment – not excuses.”

“The community needs results, not rebrands. Organised crime doesn’t fear a press release – it fears real enforcement.

“While other states strengthened police search powers and adopted health-focused strategies to tackle illicit tobacco years ago, the Allan Labor Government dragged its feet, ignoring expert advice.

“Victoria is the only state without store-closure powers, allowing organised crime syndicates to keep trading as if nothing has happened.”

Victorian Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, Tim McCurdy, said, “Regulators and police can only do so much. With no power to close illegal traders, where is the deterrent?”

“Victorians’ safety should be the top priority, but under Labor, it has been an afterthought. Through years of inaction, Labor has failed its core duty to protect Victorians.”

Senator The Hon Jonno Duniam, Federal Shadow Minister for Home Affairs

James Newbury, Shadow Attorney-General

Tim McCurdy, Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs