Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby says the Federal Government’s appointment of a national Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner will strengthen the national response to the illegal tobacco trade, including imports and cross-border supply chains.

Erin Dale, who was today confirmed as the first ITEC Commissioner, will coordinate cross-border police, health, and regulatory agencies to improve detection, and disrupt illicit imports and domestic retail networks.

“This is a constructive move that reflects the scale of the problem we’re facing, which coincides with NSW’s new tobacco licensing scheme, passed earlier this year to increase penalties for sales without a licence and the states’ interagency taskforce as I called for in November 2024,” Ms Scruby said. 

“If we can close down a restaurant for health breaches, we should be able to close down a shop selling illegal tobacco and vapes. Organised crime should not be allowed to have distribution networks in retail shops on high streets. 

“There are shops operating openly across Pittwater within metres of schools, selling illegal products linked to organised crime. These new announcements should strengthen enforcement and plug gaps across federal and state systems, particularly tracking imports and stopping supply chains before they reach our streets.”

Ms Scruby has already raised the issue in NSW Parliament and through community channels, calling for a coordinated state-level crackdown and stronger action against non-compliant retailers. She has also encouraged residents to make a submission to the current NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into illicit tobacco.

“This problem won’t be solved by a single announcement, but every new announcement is progress. It requires consistent enforcement and the political will to follow through at every level,” Ms Scruby said. 

“I’ll keep pushing for practical action in Pittwater, especially where communities feel let down by ineffective enforcement.”

Today’s announcement builds on other recent measures, including:

• The NSW Government’s new licensing scheme which came into effect on 1 July
• A newly formed NSW taskforce
• A state parliamentary inquiry now accepting public submissions until Friday, 1 August 2025

Residents can share their experiences or suggestions with the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry until 1 August 2025 here.  I encourage everyone to sign my petition calling for continued action on illegal tobacconists and vape shops in Pittwater here.