Liberals Deliver Tough New Powers To Shut Down Illicit Tobacco Stores

The Opposition’s amendment to strengthen tobacco legislation has passed Parliament with

crossbench support, securing long-term closure powers in the Tobacco Amendments Bill

2026.

‍

The amendment allows enforcement agencies to apply to a Magistrates Court to shut down

illicit tobacco stores for up to 12 months - targeting organised crime and preventing repeat

offenders from simply reopening and continuing to sell illegal tobacco.

‍

Police Shadow Minister Adam Hort said the change was a major win for West Australians and

for small businesses doing the right thing.

‍

“Long-term closure orders are a critical tool for authorities to shut down the criminal

syndicates brazenly selling illicit tobacco in our communities,” Mr Hort said.

‍

“These are not small operations. These are organised crime groups exploiting weak laws and

using shopfronts to flood our suburbs with illegal tobacco.”

‍

Mr Hort said closure orders would finally give authorities a practical way to deal with repeat

operators who reopen shortly after being shut down.

‍

“For too long these illegal stores have treated penalties as a cost of doing business; closing

one day and reopening the next under a different name.” he said.

‍

“A 12-month closure power sends a clear message: if you are caught selling illicit tobacco in

Western Australia, your shop can be shut down and kept shut.”

‍

Mr Hort said while the amendment was an important step forward, more action was needed to

properly tackle the illicit tobacco market.

‍

“It is disappointing the Government chose not to support all of the Opposition’s amendments,

including stronger powers to evict tenants selling illicit tobacco and higher penalties for those

caught selling tobacco to minors,” he said.

‍

“We cannot wait until the end of the year for a second tranche of reforms while organised

crime continues to profit from the illegal tobacco trade. These additional measures need to be

brought forward immediately.”

‍

The Opposition thanks crossbench members who supported the amendment to ensure

stronger action against the illicit tobacco trade.

‍

Media contact: Hayden Tognela – 0467 044 028

‍

‍