Editorial: Vape crackdown is just a smokescreen
Australia's new vape ban may be a distraction from the government's failure to tackle the real tobacco industry. Is this policy missing the mark? Read our analysis.
Category : Search result: tobacco industry
Tobacco surge hospitalises 35 West Aussies daily, costs $129M
Shocking new data reveals tobacco-related harm is hospitalising 35 West Australians every day at a staggering cost of $129 million to taxpayers. The alarming figures highlight a growing public health crisis.
WA's new tobacco squad can't shut stores without new law
WA Premier Roger Cook announces a $5 million illicit tobacco squad led by ex-police, but the Opposition calls it a 'smoke screen' as new laws are needed to shut retailers. Read the latest.
Veteran cop leads WA's illegal tobacco crackdown
A decorated WA police veteran is spearheading a major crackdown on illegal tobacco operations and aims to recruit retired officers to bolster the fight against organised crime. Read the full story.
Three men charged in WA illicit tobacco investigation
WA Police have charged three men as part of a major probe into an alleged illicit tobacco operation. Over $1.5 million in cash was seized during raids across Perth. Read the latest.
Health Director-General Puzzled by Illicit Tobacco Inaction
WA's top health official, Dr Shirley Bowen, is baffled by the lack of action on illicit tobacco sales, a major public health threat. Discover why enforcement is lagging.
Ballajura fire latest in Perth's illicit tobacco war
WA Police's Taskforce Maverick investigates a suspicious fire at Ballajura City Shopping Centre, the second blaze in 24 hours, linked to the state's illicit tobacco trade. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.
Cook's tobacco spin fails as shops burn again
Premier Roger Cook's vow to crush WA's illicit tobacco trade rings hollow as another shop is torched. Health inspections hit a three-year low while criminals run rampant. Analysis.
WA Opposition Leader Demands Immediate Tobacco Law Reform
WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas urges Premier Roger Cook to 'do your job' and urgently strengthen tobacco laws, citing a surge in youth vaping and illegal sales. Read the full story.
Leopold store raided in undercover tobacco sting
Police have raided a Leopold convenience store following an undercover operation into alleged illegal tobacco sales. A 36-year-old man is set to face court. Read the full details.
Suspected arson damages Huntingdale tobacco store
A tobacco store in Huntingdale was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack. Police are investigating the fire, which caused significant damage to the Ashtar WA Tobacco shop.
WA Premier Sets Deadline for Vape and Tobacco Laws
WA Premier Roger Cook has set a deadline for new vape and tobacco laws, but a full crackdown could be months away. Get the latest on the state's public health push.
Former WA Premier urges state to copy NSW tobacco crackdown
Former WA Labor Premier Peter Dowding calls for urgent action on illicit tobacco, urging the state to follow NSW's tough new laws to combat crime and protect revenue.
11 charged, 51 offences in WA tobacco crime crackdown
WA Police reveal 11 people charged with 51 offences linked to illicit tobacco violence. Pressure mounts on the state government to introduce tougher laws to shut down shops.
Experts: We're losing the fight against illicit tobacco
Authorities in Western Australia are struggling to contain a booming black market for illegal cigarettes, with experts warning organised crime is winning. Read the full analysis.
Labor's tobacco tax claims labelled a 'puff piece'
The Albanese government faces criticism over claims its tobacco tax will fund health measures. Experts call it a misleading 'puff piece' that ignores the true cost of smoking. Read the full analysis.
WA Government Cuts Tobacco Inspections Amid Illegal Trade Surge
The Cook Government has drastically reduced tobacco enforcement inspections in Western Australia, sparking fears of a booming black market. Critics warn this move undermines public health. Read the full investigation.
Overseas Student Convicted in Huge Perth Tobacco Raid
An overseas student has been convicted for her role in a massive illegal tobacco operation in Perth, where authorities seized over 1.2 million dollars worth of illicit cigarettes. Read the full story.
WA defends vape law delay amid Bunbury raids and arson
The Cook Government defends the timeline for tougher vape and tobacco laws as police raid a Bunbury store and investigate a suspicious fire. Critics demand faster action.
Teen in court over alleged tobacco gang firebombing
A 14-year-old boy faces court over an alleged arson attack on a Perth store, linked to a crime syndicate's illicit tobacco turf war. Police strongly oppose bail.
Major crackdown on illegal vapes and tobacco in Hunter
NSW Health inspectors have seized illicit goods worth millions in a six-month operation, closing multiple stores. Experts warn of rising crime linked to the black market.
Opposition demands vape law fast-track after Bunbury attack
WA Opposition slams government delay on vape shop closure laws after Bunbury arson attack damages local businesses. Community rallies with fundraiser as organised crime fears grow.
Hunter stores closed in illicit tobacco crackdown
Six Hunter region stores have been forced to close for 90 days after being caught selling illegal tobacco and vapes. NSW Health's new powers lead to statewide blitz, seizing millions in contraband.
Kabul Cafe Ram-Raid Investigated for Tobacco War Links
WA Police are investigating if a ram-raid at Kabul Cafe in Perth is connected to the escalating tobacco wars. The incident involved a stolen ute and a stolen car. Read the latest.
Teen remanded over Baldivis store arson
A 17-year-old boy has been remanded in custody following a suspected arson attack on a Baldivis convenience store, believed to be linked to the illicit tobacco trade. Read the latest court details.
WA Building Industry Reforms Urged Amid Crisis
West Australian families face a building industry 'snake-pit' as the government reviews contract laws. Minister Buti promises 2026 reforms after 740 survey responses highlighted systemic failures.
Second man charged over Midland tobacco store arson
A second man has been arrested and charged by WA Police's Serious and Organised Crime Division over the arson attack on a Midland tobacco store. Read the latest details.
Big Tobacco's deceptive tax plan exposed
Health experts Laura Hunter & Danielle McMullen reveal Big Tobacco's cynical push for a vaping tax that protects cigarette profits & hooks a new generation. Read the disturbing truth.
32 Tobacco Shops Raided and Closed in North Queensland
A major police operation across North Queensland has forced 32 tobacco retailers to close. The raids targeted illegal sales and compliance breaches. Read the full story.
Hollywood film editor moves to Barwon Heads
Acclaimed Hollywood film editor Chris Lebenzon, known for 'Con Air' and 'Top Gun', has swapped Los Angeles for the coastal charm of Barwon Heads. Discover his story and new life in regional Victoria.
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