COALITION PLAN TO SMASH ILLICIT TOBACCO GANGS

COALITION PLAN TO SMASH ILLICIT TOBACCO GANGS

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP says the Coalition’s national plan will destroy the business model underpinning Australia’s booming illicit tobacco trade. 

“Australia’s illicit tobacco market has become a serious organised crime problem, generating billions of dollars for gangs involved in drugs, scams, money laundering, arson and violence,” Mr Pasin said.

“The Coalition’s plan attacks these gangs where it hurts by taking away their profits, their customers and their control.”

The Coalition will cut tobacco excise by 80 per cent, reducing the excise on a standard packet of 20 cigarettes from around $30 to around $6 and stripping away the enormous price advantage driving customers into the black market.

The plan includes a $200 million nationwide law enforcement surge to deliver more raids, arrests and seizures, shut illegal shops, stop shipments at the border and follow the money through the AFP, Australian Border Force, ACIC and AUSTRAC.

Vapes and nicotine pouches would also be legalised, regulated and taxed for adults while maintaining strong protections for children.

“You do not smash organised crime while protecting its business model. We will remove the gangs’ price advantage and customers, then hit the criminals who remain with the full force of the law,” Mr Pasin said.

“The consequences of the current failed approach are being felt here in Barker.

“I have had numerous discussions with legitimate business owners across Barker, including supermarkets, pubs, general stores and service stations who are losing revenue while illegal sellers undercut them.

“Meanwhile, SAPOL’s Operation Eclipse raids which include significant seizures of alleged illegal tobacco and cash in Mount Gambier, Naracoorte and Millicent and closure orders for stores in Murray Bridge, Berri and Barmera are just the tip of the iceberg.”

“This is not about encouraging smoking. It is about restoring control, protecting legitimate businesses and ensuring Australian laws and health protections, not organised crime, govern the market.