Scott Weber from the Police Federation of Australia told an inquiry into new vaping and smoking laws that the black cigarette market has become an increasing problem for state authorities.
“They are being committed by organised crime and it’s centred around the illicit tobacco trade because there’s so much money in this trade and its occurring across other states and territories as well.” Mr Weber said morale among police was low and called for a more streamlined process to crack down on illicit tobacco to enable authorities to tend to more serious issues like domestic violence and public safety.
The tax gap triggered by illegal tobacco manufacturers climbed to a record $2.3bn in October, according to the ATO. Mr Weber claimed this figure could climb up to $3bn within the next financial year. The new legislation, announced by the Albanese government in May, aims to enhance graphic warnings on packaging and individual cigarettes, and improve transparency of tobacco sales volumes and advertising.
Theo Foukkare, CEO of The Australian Association of Convenience Stores , claimed the new laws would only increase accessibility and benefit the black market.
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