Crackdown on illegal tobacco trade gains bipartisan support

MEMBER for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer, has welcomed the Minns Government’s introduction of a new licensing scheme designed to crack down on the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products across NSW.

The new laws require all retailers and wholesalers to hold a valid licence to sell tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products.

The three-month grace period for applications ended on 1 October, with enforcement now underway.

Mr Dwyer said the measures align with long-standing calls from the NSW Liberal and Nationals parties for stronger regulation.

“I am pleased the Minns Government has adopted the NSW Liberal and Nationals idea of cracking down on the illegal selling of tobacco and vapes which has been causing widespread concern throughout the community,” he said.

Retailers who continue to trade without a valid licence face severe penalties, including fines of up to $1.54 million, seven years’ imprisonment, or both.

The newly established Centre for Regulation and Enforcement within NSW Health will oversee compliance and work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and shut down illegal operators.

Businesses that continue to breach the law may face closure orders of up to twelve months.

Health Minister Ryan Park said the new scheme is long overdue.

“The previous Liberal Government failed to implement a tobacco licensing scheme, leaving us the last state in the country to do so. This reform gives us better tools to identify and prosecute illegal tobacconists,” Mr Park said.

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant also encouraged smokers to consider quitting, noting that tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of premature death in Australia.

Support to quit smoking or vaping is available through the NSW Quitline on 13 78 48.

For more information or to apply for a tobacco licence, visit the NSW Health website or call the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

By Luke HADFIELD