Western Australia is being urged to stop delaying and immediately adopt New South Wales' aggressive new laws targeting the illicit tobacco trade. The call comes from a surprising voice: former WA Labor Premier Peter Dowding.
Dowding's Direct Challenge to the WA Government
In a direct intervention into state politics, Mr. Dowding has publicly challenged the current Labor government to "get on with it" and replicate the powerful measures recently enacted across the country. He argues that the illegal cigarette market is not a victimless crime but a significant enabler of organised criminal activity within the community.
The former Premier, who led WA from 1988 to 1990, expressed clear frustration with the pace of action. He pointed to the successful implementation of a comprehensive legislative package in NSW, which came into effect at the end of last year. "They've done it in New South Wales, why can't we do it here?" Mr. Dowding questioned, emphasising the need for decisive leadership on the issue.
The NSW Blueprint for a Tough Crackdown
The model Mr. Dowding wants WA to follow is the NSW Illicit Tobacco Act 2024. This legislation provides authorities with substantially enhanced powers to disrupt the black market supply chain. Key measures include:
- Severe new penalties for individuals involved in the cultivation, production, or sale of illicit tobacco, including potential prison time.
- Stronger investigative and seizure powers for law enforcement, making it easier to target and dismantle illegal operations.
- A focused effort to choke the trade at its source, moving beyond just penalising street-level sellers.
This approach recognises that the trade is a major source of funding for sophisticated criminal syndicates, impacting community safety far beyond lost tax revenue.
Broader Impacts: Crime, Revenue, and Community Safety
The push for tougher laws is not just about economics; it's framed as a critical public safety measure. The illicit tobacco market is intrinsically linked to other serious crimes, including money laundering and violence. By allowing the trade to flourish, Mr. Dowding suggests, the state is indirectly permitting a dangerous ecosystem to thrive.
Furthermore, the financial cost is staggering. The Australian Taxation Office estimates that the black market in tobacco costs the nation billions of dollars in lost tax revenue annually. This is money that could be funding essential public services in health, education, and infrastructure across Western Australia.
Mr. Dowding's public stance adds considerable weight to a growing chorus of voices from law enforcement, health advocates, and business groups who have long argued for a more forceful regulatory response. His unique position as a former Labor leader places specific pressure on the current government to justify any further hesitation.
The ball is now firmly in the court of the WA government. With a proven legislative model available from NSW and a clear call to action from a respected former leader, the question remains: how quickly will Western Australia move to stamp out this lucrative criminal enterprise?
