The Nationals have taken Labor to task over its failure to “smoke out tobacco crime lords” following a string of alleged incidents involving extortion, intimidation and violence linked to the illicit tobacco trade.
“Residents were shocked by reports that a family member of a local tobacco store owner was allegedly abducted and assaulted by a criminal gang,” said Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath.
Speaking in parliament, Ms Bath said the Labor Government was failing to halt the growing influence of organised crime connected to the illicit tobacco market.
“Illicit tobacco stores continue to pop up despite Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme commencing in February, along with shocking violent incidents.
“The Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation was personally responsible for introducing the licensing scheme, yet he failed to provide answers when questioned in parliament.
“Latrobe Valley residents are deeply concerned by violent crime occurring in our communities, as are West Gippsland locals where a recent ram raid and firebombing occurred.”
The Nationals brought the issue before parliament after residents raised serious concerns with Ms Bath and Member for Morwell Martin Cameron.
Mr Cameron said that when Labor introduced its tobacco licensing scheme, Victorians were promised it would disrupt organised crime and ensure licences were granted only to fit and proper operators.
“Yet serious crime continues to plague communities, and Gippslanders are rightly questioning the scheme’s effectiveness,” Mr Cameron said.
“The emergence of new suspected illicit tobacco stores in the Valley is deeply concerning.
“Labor must explain why organised crime continues to expand its influence in regional Victoria.
“Residents deserve to know whether the failures surrounding illicit tobacco licensing are the result of weak enforcement or flaws in Labor’s so-called fit and proper person test.
“The Nationals will continue to focus on the safety of local families, business owners and workers who should not have to live under the threat of criminal intimidation and violence.”
