Premier Roger Cook has defended the pace of Western Australia's efforts to match tougher tobacco laws enacted in other states, while announcing a new police-led crackdown on retailers illegally selling vapes and cheap cigarettes.
New Police Squad to Lead Crackdown
The Premier refused to express any regret over the time taken for WA to catch up to interstate counterparts. Instead, he pointed to a newly formed compliance squad, led by a veteran police superintendent, as proof of the government's commitment. "I think the WA public are confident of the work that we are doing, and will be even more comforted and confident with the integration of a new police based team in our tobacco products control team," Mr Cook stated.
He pledged to introduce "very harsh laws into Parliament as soon as possible" to shut down offending shops, noting that a legislative framework was a priority. The government has faced increasing pressure following a series of shootings and fire-bombings linked to the illicit tobacco trade, with the Opposition claiming government inaction has allowed the black market to thrive.
Opposition Dismisses Move as "Smoke Screen"
Liberal leader Basil Zempilas dismissed the bolstered compliance team as a "smoke screen." In response, Mr Cook repeated his vow to "crush" the illicit trade, which he described as "relatively new" in WA. "We're going to get it out of WA and these people, we're going to put in jail," he asserted, adding that police were already making arrests and confiscating products.
Police Minister Reece Whitby labelled legislation for same-day shop closure orders as the government's "number one priority." However, he could not provide a specific date for its introduction, with State Parliament set to resume on February 17. "We do (need them) but this Opposition chatter that we should do it today, I wish it was that easy," Mr Whitby told ABC Breakfast, emphasising the complexity of drafting laws.
Health Impacts and Political Blame
Mr Cook cited statistics showing 35 tobacco-linked hospitalisations every day as evidence of the ongoing harm. He placed blame on the Liberal Party for historical inaction, calling them "complete hypocrites" for having "dragged their feet for decades in relation to tobacco laws."
The Premier argued that current hospitalisations often result from addiction formed years ago, underscoring the need for immediate action. "That's why we have to act today. That's why we're doing the work we are doing to ensure that we do not have a new generation of smokers," he concluded.
