Tuesday, 3 February 2026

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (18:17): This weekend marked an important step in Victoria’s fight against illicit tobacco. On Sunday enforcement of Victoria’s new tobacco licensing scheme commenced. This reform is the result of significant investment in community safety by the Allan Labor government, backed by Victoria Police. Tobacco Licensing Victoria will strengthen intelligence and coordination across agencies, giving authorities a clearer picture of illicit tobacco activity and the criminal networks behind it. Inspectors are now out and about across neighbourhoods in our state. They are checking compliance and licensing obligations, supporting legitimate retailers and gathering intelligence to act against unlicensed or illicit businesses.

Their work is backed by serious consequences. Selling tobacco without a licence now attracts tough new penalties, and those caught selling illicit tobacco will face the strongest sanctions in the nation: up to 15 years imprisonment for individuals and fines of up to $1.8 million for businesses doing the wrong thing. And let us not forget about the results Victoria has already delivered: 200 search warrants executed, 150 arrests and almost $40 million of illicit products have already been confiscated. Criminal syndicates have been profiting from illicit tobacco products while honest and hardworking businesses have been undercut.

Tobacco Licensing Victoria is about protecting Victorian communities, backing thousands of retailers doing the right thing and cracking down on those who have been profiting from illegal tobacco for far too long. Commencing enforcement is a major milestone, but I remind the chamber that we know this is a national challenge, and we accept that. That is why in Victoria we will continue to work with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to stamp out the illicit tobacco trade.