Illicit tobacco
Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:31): (1500) My question is to the Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation. Minister, Tobacco Licensing Victoria has around 40 inspectors to cover the entire state. How many inspections have been conducted since the closure powers commenced on 9 September?
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Finance, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Government Services) (12:31): I thank Mr Mulholland for his question and his interest in relation to our tough new tobacco regulator in Victoria. The first time ever we have had a tobacco regulator in this state was last year, and now we have got more inspectors than ever going around closing stores across the state. We do know that this is a problem that requires a national approach. We have seen the proliferation of these dangerous and illegal products in every state and territory in the nation, and that is why we are taking more action. In relation to the criminal element, we know that law enforcement agencies both national and local are working together. In terms of store inspections, I have talked about the 22 store closures that happened in the first week alone. There have been over 200 arrests that have been conducted by Victoria Police over the last two years. We have toughened the penalties, and we will continue to do more. In relation to the specifics about the number of inspections, you would understand that is a high level of detail, and because inspections are ongoing on a day-to-day basis I do not have that level of operational detail, as you would appreciate, with me at hand today. But I will see what I can provide post this meeting. We are committed to transparent information in this regard. That is why we have the store closures up on the website. In relation to inspections, as I said, Mr Mulholland, I am happy to take that on board and see what I can provide. It is a high level of detail, and every day as we speak more inspections are taking place.
Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:33): Minister, as you acknowledged, only 22 closures have taken place since the closure powers have commenced, although none in regional Victoria. How many inspections have taken place in regional Victoria?
The PRESIDENT: I expect that there is a high level of detail in that question as well, but I will let you answer as you see fit.
Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Finance, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Government Services) (12:33): I thank Mr Mulholland for his supplementary question. It is Tobacco Licensing Victoria, so there will be regulation across the state. But when it relates to operational matters, I am reluctant to interfere in that work, because they are working together with Victoria Police. It is an intelligence-led enforcement approach. Therefore we will see them across the state. We will not be releasing data based on location, because that is the intelligence that we will be keeping. But post the closures happening – we are talking about the first two weeks of the closure powers – they will be updated progressively. Watch this space. But I am not going to give insights of the criminal elements. Illicit tobacco is widespread, affecting communities in inner suburbs, in the inner city, but also in our regions. That information will be published in the appropriate way that does not compromise ongoing investigation and enforcement activities. I will not be disclosing those operational activities in this chamber.