Minns Labor government forced into inquiry after long silence on illegal tobacco trade
Mark Speakman
Leader of the Opposition
Kellie Sloane
Shadow Minister for Health
Gurmesh Singh
Shadow Minister for Regional Health
Yesterday the Minns Labor Government agreed to the Opposition’s terms for a Parliamentary Inquiry into the exploding illegal tobacco trade that is endangering communities in NSW.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the NSW Labor Government has been stalling in their response to the explosion of illegal tobacco in NSW.
“This inaction has led to a dramatic increase in tobacconists, and an outbreak of violent crime in our communities,” Mr Speakman said.
NSW Health data shows there has been an increase in the number of tobacconists opening, rising from 14,500 four years ago to more than 19,500 today.
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said that we are seeing an alarming increase in the supply of illegal tobacco in NSW, which has been linked to organised crime syndicates.
“These criminals do not care about your health; they care about controlling the illicit market. There are violent and dangerous groups that are trying to ensure this trade continues,” Ms Sloane said.
On Saturday, a tobacco shop in Auburn was subjected to an arson attack. On Sunday, a truck rollover on the Pacific Highway near Grafton, led police to uncover 2.5 tonnes of illegal tobacco in the back of the vehicle. Earlier in January, a man’s toe was cut off during a foiled attempt to steal illegal tobacco from a warehouse in Condell Park.
It has become clear that the NSW Government has lost control of what is now known as the ‘Tobacco Wars’. This Parliamentary Inquiry is required to find out what has gone wrong.
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said the illegal tobacco trade is putting pressure on small businesses especially in the regions.
"This issue is having a heavy impact on regional, remote and rural areas where there's often a lack of capacity to do compliance checks," Mr Singh said.
"These illegal operators completely undercut the legitimate businesses our communities rely on and the Minns Labor Government has completely dropped the ball on compliance activities."
