Wednesday, 12 November 2025

 Brad ROWSWELL (Sandringham) (14:43): (1373) My constituency question is to the Premier. Late last Friday night Mentone residents were woken by an explosion and sirens echoing through the streets as flames tore through yet another tobacco store. This is the third time in just six weeks that this particular business has been targeted. Locals are frightened, traders are distressed and families are anxious about when and where the next attack might occur. Business owners have been forced to close due to the damage, with some being told by their insurers that they may not be open for between three and 12 months. Staff have lost their jobs, stock has spoiled and insurance premiums have gone through the roof. My question to the Premier is this: when will the Premier write to the federal health minister in the strongest possible terms to advocate for an urgent lowering of the federal tobacco taxes to put an end to the tobacco wars once and for all and to end any future innocent victims of these tobacco wars in my community?