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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A new report reveals Australia's projected housing market growth for 2025 is significantly slower than the 1980s boom. Discover the data and expert analysis behind the trend.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Western Australia faces a booming black market for vapes, with over 220,000 seized since 2024. Critics slam the government's slow legislative response as other states crack down. Read more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Experts forecast a potential downturn for Canberra's luxury housing market in early 2026, with rising interest rates likely to boost demand for more affordable apartments. Key suburbs to watch revealed.
New data reveals Hunter Region property prices soared past Sydney's growth in 2025, with Maitland leading NSW. Discover the key figures and 2026 forecasts.
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.
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.
Perth tenants are set to pay an extra $2200 on average for rent in 2025 compared to 2024, as a new report highlights the city's severe rental crisis. Discover the data and what it means for the market.
NSW Police warn against buying cheap oysters from illegal sellers after a major rural crime operation on the South Coast. Fines can reach $275,000. Report suspicious activity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Police confirm a targeted shooting at a Ballajura commercial property is linked to the illegal tobacco market. No injuries reported. Investigations are ongoing.