THE NSW Coalition will introduce its proposed Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 when Parliament resumes next month.
Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the legislation could see people who sell illegal tobacco and vapes be jailed for up to seven years.
“The increased activity involving the illegal sale of tobacco and vapes is causing widespread concern throughout our community and people are fed up that it has been allowed to not only continue but to grow in massive proportions,” he said.
“You only have to watch the news on TV to see the fire bombing of shops as the tobacco turf wars rage across the state and throughout Australia.
“As soon as police close down the illegal businesses, another one opens the next day which is extremely frustrating for police.”
Mr Dwyer said illegal tobacco is “flooding” Mid North Coast communities.
“The proposed Legislation by the NSW Liberals and Nationals will introduce tough new penalties for selling illegal tobacco including seven year prison sentences and $1.5 million fines for serious offences,” Mr Dwyer said.
“Whilst landlords will be empowered to end leases if their tenant is found to be selling illegal tobacco in NSW, penalties for landlords who knowingly permit their premises to be used for the sale of illegal tobacco will be enforced.
“Under the proposed new laws, there will be implementing closure orders for businesses that are found to sell illegal tobacco in NSW.”
A parliamentary inquiry was established on 7 May to report on the illegal tobacco trade in New South Wales.
Among a broad remit, the committee will inquire into links between organised crime syndicates and tobacconists, and the utilisation of money laundering schemes by tobacconists.
The inquiry will also explore the impact of the illegal tobacco trade on small businesses and communities in regional NSW, and consider the introduction of legal protections for landlords who lease to tobacconists.
The NSW Government’s new tobacco licensing scheme came into force on 1 July, meaning retailers and wholesalers who wish to sell tobacco, or non-tobacco smoking products, now must apply for a licence to do so.
Applicants are required to complete an online application, provide a recent criminal records check and pay a yearly licence fee.
New penalties have also been introduced for anyone caught selling illegal tobacco or vaping products without a valid licence.
The maximum penalties for individuals is $11,000 for a first offence, and $44,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
The maximum fine for a corporation is $220,000.
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