The NSW Coalition will introduce a Bill in Parliament to crack down on criminals and make NSW the hardest place in Australia to sell illegal tobacco and vapes.
Member for Coffs Harbour and Shadow Minister for Regional Health, Mr Gurmesh Singh said while other states have cracked down on illegal tobacco, the Minns Labor Government has let NSW become the easiest place in the country for crooks to make money.
“Everyone knows what’s going on – illegal shops run by criminals are popping up all over Coffs Harbour. Chris Minns has done nothing while our communities and small businesses wear the cost. If Labor won’t clean it up, we will,” Mr Singh said.
“Our plan will shut these shops down, hit the criminals with million-dollar fines or jail, and make it crystal clear – if you’re dealing illegal tobacco in NSW, your days are numbered. No more soft touch. No more excuses.”
Mr Singh said criminals now see NSW as a soft target given the state’s weak penalties and enforcement.
“Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia have all stepped up with tougher penalties and strong enforcement. Chris Minns inaction has left NSW exposed to more criminals, more violence and more illicit tobacco,” Mr Singh said.
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said the Minns Labor Government has allowed criminals to easily defy the law.
“Organised crime has had a free ride under this NSW government. These aren’t corner stores, they’re fronts for crime gangs.
“Our laws will disrupt their business model by shutting the doors, tearing up the leases, and putting the crooks behind bars. If you’re breaking the law, under the Coalition, there will be nowhere to hide.”
The Coalition’s Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 will:
- Further increase the penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco, including prison sentences of up to 7 years for serious offending or a $1.5 million fine.
- Provide NSW Health with the power to issue closure orders for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vapes for up to one month.
- Provide magistrates with the power to issue closure order for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vapes for up to 12 months.
- Give lessors the statutory right to terminate leases where a closure order has been issued.
- Create a new offence for lessors who knowingly permit their tenant to use the store for the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes.
8 July 2025
