The Cook Government in Western Australia has ignited a fierce political battle after quietly slashing the number of inspections targeting the state's illicit tobacco trade. This significant reduction in enforcement activity comes at a time when authorities are warning of a dangerous and well-organised black market flooding communities with cheap, untaxed cigarettes.
A Sharp Decline in Enforcement Action
Official data reveals a startling drop in proactive inspections conducted by authorised officers. In the 2022-23 financial year, officers carried out 1,014 inspections across WA. However, for the current financial year up to April, that number has plummeted to just 265 inspections. This represents a reduction of nearly 75% in the inspection rate.
The government attributes this steep decline to a strategic shift in focus. A spokesperson stated that resources are now being directed towards "high-level investigations and prosecutions" rather than routine retail checks. This change follows the implementation of new, harsher penalties for selling illicit tobacco, which came into effect in late 2023.
However, this explanation has failed to satisfy critics. Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam has condemned the move, arguing that visible enforcement is a crucial deterrent. "You need boots on the ground," Ms Mettam asserted, highlighting that the government's own data shows the problem is worsening, not improving.
The Booming Black Market and Community Impact
The reduction in inspections is occurring against a backdrop of a rapidly expanding illicit tobacco market. Authorities have noted a shift from smaller-scale operations to sophisticated, large-scale networks. These groups are often involved in other serious crimes, creating a broader risk to community safety.
The financial incentive for the illegal trade is enormous. With excise on tobacco constantly rising, the profit margin for selling untaxed products is significant. This makes it an attractive venture for organised crime, undermining public health policies designed to reduce smoking rates through high prices.
Health advocates are deeply concerned. The availability of cheap, illicit tobacco directly sabotages efforts to encourage people to quit smoking. It also makes cigarettes more accessible to younger people, potentially creating a new generation of addicts.
Political Fallout and Calls for Action
The issue has become a major point of contention in state politics. The opposition has seized on the inspection figures as evidence of a government failing to enforce its own laws. They argue that without a visible compliance presence, retailers will have little fear of facing consequences for selling illegal products.
The government defends its position by pointing to its legislative crackdown. The new laws introduced in 2023 include hefty fines of up to $1 million for individuals and $5 million for corporations, along with the possibility of jail time. The government's stance is that targeting the major suppliers and distributors through intensive investigations will be more effective than checking individual shops.
Despite this, community leaders and public health experts are calling for a balanced approach. They insist that both high-level investigations and consistent, on-the-ground compliance work are essential to combat the complex problem of illicit tobacco. The fear is that by pulling back inspectors, the government is inadvertently allowing the black market to entrench itself further in WA's suburbs and regions.
The coming months will be critical. All eyes will be on whether the government's prosecution-focused strategy yields significant results, or if the dramatic cut in inspections leads to an unchecked proliferation of illegal tobacco, with serious consequences for public health and community safety.
