Arabic version: ارتفاع مبيعات السجائر القانونية في كوينزلاند بعد الحملة على السوق السوداء
According to ABC News, legal tobacco sales in Queensland rose 55 per cent in the first month after stronger enforcement laws took effect in November. Sales then remained 40 to 45 per cent above previous levels for the following six months, based on data from major supermarkets and other retailers provided to the Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner, while the national market was largely flat.
Calls to Quitline more than doubled in the 10 days after major enforcement operations, suggesting the crackdown may encourage some smokers to quit. Queensland’s intensified action against illegal cigarettes, nicotine pouches and vapes is expected to generate $89 million in additional tobacco excise revenue and $11 million in GST gains over two years, an amount that could cover and potentially exceed enforcement costs.
Queensland Health has issued more than 300 closure orders since November last year, contributing to more than 1,000 illicit tobacco shops being shuttered nationally. Laws introduced late last year allow Queensland Health to close shops for up to 90 days without a court order. Landlords who knowingly lease premises to illicit tobacco and vape operators face fines of up to $161,300 and 12 months imprisonment.
A 10-day Operation Major blitz resulted in 148 stores receiving three-month closure orders. Authorities seized more than 11.8 million cigarettes, 1.7 tonnes of loose tobacco, 87,000 vapes, 4.2 litres of vaping liquid and 270,000 nicotine pouches, with an estimated collective street value of $15.7 million. Assistant Minister for Customs Julian Hill said Queensland’s results showed sustained street-level enforcement could disrupt illegal markets and drive consumers back to legitimate products.
The federal government is expected to point to Queensland’s data as it resists calls to reduce tobacco excise. The Coalition and One Nation have proposed major excise cuts, while the federal government has committed more than $365 million to enforcement action since taking office.
