Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Tobacco control

Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (18:09): (1424) My matter is for the Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister Enver Erdogan, regarding the Allan Labor government’s mismanagement of Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme. There is some confusion among retailers over delays surrounding the implementation of the tobacco licensing scheme. Despite the legislation passing in November last year, when the scheme was said to be operational in five months – around April 2025 – it has been revealed that licensing inspectors will not be checking for illicit tobacco until at least 2026, leaving honest retailers vulnerable to criminal elements. So the action I seek is for the minister to implement the tobacco licensing scheme with licensing inspectors operating this year as originally indicated. When the Allan Labor government fails to enforce its regulations, it fails all Victorians. Instead of cracking down on the illicit tobacco market, the Allan Labor government is giving it a free pass. While other states have made progress much quicker, Victoria is seen to be lacking. There is no enforcement and no department.

Legitimate retailers are confused and unprotected. This uncertainty comes in light of a significant increase in tobacco-related crime and a lack of support for legitimate businesses. Since March 2023 there have been over 130 firebombings in the state, with various criminals fighting to control the illicit tobacco market. An innocent bystander Katie Tangey, house-sitting for her brother, was caught up in the violent and dangerous underworld conflicts. She became a victim and paid the ultimate price at the age of 27. Meanwhile the black market continues to thrive as the Allan Labor government gives dangerous criminals a free 18-month trial run with no care for hardworking genuine business owners. Victorians deserve better than a government that has mismanaged projects and delivered confusion, delays and a lack of enforcement. Can the minister provide a clear, transparent plan and implement the tobacco licensing scheme with licensing inspectors operating this year to address retailers’ concerns?