The West Australian Opposition has demanded the Cook Government fast-track legislation to shut down illegal tobacco and vape retailers, following a suspected firebombing at a Bunbury convenience store that has left neighbouring businesses as collateral damage.
Community Businesses Caught in Turf War Crossfire
The arson attack, which erupted around 3:40am on Sunday, 5 January 2026, targeted a store in Bunbury. The blaze caused significant damage to adjacent businesses, including Allure Beauty and Co, a hair salon owned by Amy Howes. Ms Howes described her salon as "completely gone," forcing her to start again from scratch.
The local community has rallied in support, establishing an online fundraiser that has already raised more than $3000 to assist with the rebuild. "If anyone’s got any therapy beds or hairdressing stuff or anything that would help set up a salon again we would really appreciate it," Ms Howes said, expressing gratitude for the community's support.
The investigation is now being led by detectives from the WA Police serious and organised crime division, highlighting concerns the violence is linked to an escalating turf war over the illicit vape and tobacco trade.
Political Pressure Mounts Over Legislative Delay
Shadow Police Minister Adam Hort has urged the government to make shop closure order legislation its first priority when State Parliament resumes in February. He criticised the government's inaction, contrasting Western Australia with other states.
"Every other mainland state has moved to shut down illegal tobacco and vape stores, WA has not," Mr Hort stated. "That inaction has made our state a target for organised crime and small family businesses are paying the price."
He pointed out that Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia passed similar laws last year, using them to shut more than 150 retailers, while Victoria requires stores to be licensed.
"The Government will have had the entire summer to now prepare this legislation, plus last year," Mr Hort argued. "If it’s not delivered on day one when Parliament goes back, what on earth have they been doing while organised crime continues to fester in our suburbs."
Government Defends Pace of Law Development
Health Minister Meredith Hammat previously told Parliament in October that work was underway, but cautioned against expectations for rapid implementation.
"There is the idea that with the Commissioner of Police making comments about laws in August, we should be in here debating them by October. It is just fanciful," Ms Hammat said.
She emphasised the government's intent to create robust laws. "Our objective will be to make sure that we not only consider provisions that have been introduced in other States, but also draft ours in a way that we know will withstand the challenges that may come."
The Bunbury incident has intensified the political debate, placing pressure on the government to accelerate its response to the black-market vape trade and the associated organised crime activity impacting local communities.
