Thursday, 5 February 2026

 Martin CAMERON (Morwell) (14:54): My constituency question is for the Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation in the other place, and my question is: when will Tobacco Licensing Victoria inspectors visit the Latrobe Valley? The Allan Labor government has announced that just 14 inspectors will police over 1000 tobacco shops, although this may be unrealistic and inadequate, and Victorians are right to doubt whether the scheme will deliver any meaningful change.

Last year the tobacco shop in Morwell was firebombed, and a few weeks ago there was a ram raid on a shop in Newborough. I visited to speak with the neighbouring businesses recently, and the owners told me they are scared. Their own operations are under threat because this form of organised crime has been allowed to continue unabated. Minister, when will tobacco licensing inspectors visit the Latrobe Valley?