A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry has been announced on illegal tobacco following mounting pressure in NSW Parliament— including organised crime links, enforcement failures, and the broader impacts on communities and businesses.
Prior to the Premier’s announcement, Ms Scruby called on the government to establish an Interagency Taskforce. Ms Scruby is working with other independent MPs who have been briefed by the NSW Crime Commissioner and will continue to put pressure on the government.
NSW Parliament recently increased the penalties for individuals and corporations selling illicit tobacco up to $770,000.
“I recently met with a group of concerned residents and shopowners regarding addressing the sharp rise of tobacconists and US-style lolly shops, a problem being faced by high streets across NSW,” said Ms Scruby.
“I’ll be making a full submission to the inquiry, and I encourage every Pittwater resident who’s had enough of the proliferation of tobacconists to do the same. If you want the NSW Government to lobby the federal government for excise change - it’s your opportunity to be heard.
“Many of these shops are selling illegal vapes and cigarettes — and I know, because I’ve walked in myself and bought them. There’s no effort to hide it - we have organised crime distribution networks on our high streets.
“We are hearing reports of resistance from NSW Police to take over raids for illegal tobacco and vapes from NSW Health. But Health should not be solely responsible for raids relating to organised crime. I’ve called on the government to establish an Interagency Taskforce between NSW Fair Trading, Health and Police and believe there is also a role for stricter planning controls.
“It’s woefully inadequate to have 26 or so health officials policing a state-wide illegal racket. It’s one thing having the laws and penalties but they mean nothing if they’re not enforced,” said Ms Scruby.
Make a submission before 19 July 2025:
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3100
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3100
Melbourne has already seen insurers refuse to cover properties linked to illegal tobacco trade, and the concern is that NSW could follow.