| Record fine follows Liberals and Nationals’ laws on illegal tobacco |
** Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Mitchell said this fine cannot be the end of the story.
|
RECORD FINE FOLLOWS LIBERALS AND NATIONALS’ LAWS ON ILLEGAL TOBACCO
21/07/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The NSW Opposition has welcomed the record $1.1 million fine issued to an illicit tobacco retailer in Hornsby, as the result of new laws first proposed by the Liberals and Nationals.
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the record penalty was a direct result of the crackdown on illicit tobacco proposed by the opposition and adopted by the government last year.
A number of tobacconists have also been closed as part of Operation Sloane established by NSW Police in October 2025 under the NSW Illicit Tobacco Taskforce.
"This record fine shows why the NSW Liberals and Nationals proposed new laws targeting illicit tobacco and the criminals who were establishing themselves on high streets across Sydney," Ms Sloane said.
"Labor backed the Opposition's crackdown because it was clear their approach wasn't working and these shopfronts for organised crime were being allowed to flourish."
"Our laws must also be accompanied by more action from the Commonwealth, including stronger border enforcement and action on the tobacco excise which clearly isn't working."
Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Mitchell said this fine cannot be the end of the story.
"These stores trade in addiction and sell unregulated products with no regard for the health of their customers,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“Anthony Albanese and Mark Butler are on a smoko break and missing in action when it comes to illegal tobacco with NSW left paying the crime and health costs.” |
