A Jess Wilson-led Liberals and Nationals government will introduce a range of measures to crack down on Victoria’s illicit tobacco and vape trade.
As part of the new strong measures to properly address the rampant black market and subsequent attacks that have left more than 300 Victorian businesses and homes firebombed, a Liberal and Nationals Government will:
– Introduce medium-term closure powers that increase existing 90-day short-term closure power to 150 days, in line with stronger closure provisions proposed in South Australia.
– Introduce a ‘compromised goods’ seizure power allowing authorised officers to seize all tobacco and e-cigarette products where breaches are identified.
– Allow commercial landlords to terminate a tenant’s lease without compensation as soon as a short-term closure is ordered against the tenant.
– Ban ATMs at retailers found selling illicit tobacco or operating without a tobacco license.
– Make illicit tobacco a specific offence under new Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) laws.
Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, said the current approach from the Labor government had proven to be ineffective.
“Victorians are sick of seeing illegal tobacco shops closed for a few weeks, then back open for business as if nothing happened,” Ms Wilson said.
“The number of outlets selling illicit tobacco has soared under Labor’s watch, and the criminals behind them are firebombing businesses and extorting owners. A government I lead will give authorities the powers to shut these operations down and keep them shut.”
Shadow Minister for Liquor and Gaming, Tim McCurdy, said the laws that had been effectively implemented in South Australia would be used as a model for the new approach in Victoria.
“Ninety days is just a band-aid approach to disrupt a criminal operation. We will extend our short-term closure power from 90 days to 150 days, giving authorities more time to take these networks apart and stopping offending businesses from quickly reopening,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Our compromised goods power will let authorised officers seize all tobacco and e-cigarette products at a premises where a relevant breach is found, whether each product is legal or not. If you sell illicit tobacco, you risk losing your entire stock.”
Shadow Police Minister, Brad Battin, said the tougher approach would have a flow-on effect in tackling firebombings that have become a regular occurrence across Victoria.
“Taskforce Lunar has tied the illicit tobacco trade to more than 300 arson attacks and six homicides, and police need every tool available,” Mr Battin said.
“This is part of the Liberals and Nationals overall approach to tackling crime that includes recruiting 3000 more police and reopening closed stations across Victoria.”
Shadow Attorney-General, James Newbury, said making illicit tobacco a specific offence under the RICO laws would be part of a tougher approach to illicit tobacco.
“These new laws will target the criminal bosses who run organised crime networks,” Mr Newbury said.
“Crime bosses who direct or benefit from a pattern of serious criminal activity will face tough new laws and a zero tolerance to violent crimes if the Liberals and Nationals are elected.”
