Question details
Morwell electorate
(1490) 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?
On 1 February 2026, Tobacco Licensing Victoria commenced enforcing Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme. The scheme regulates the lawful supply of tobacco products across Victoria and is cracking down on the illicit tobacco market. As part of the Government’s efforts, we introduced some of the heaviest penalties in Australia for illicit tobacco crime. And we will introduce new store closure powers and landlord penalties to go further, so Victoria has the toughest laws in the nation.
Dedicated licensing inspectors are on the ground enforcing the law and ensuring businesses are following the conditions of their licence and take appropriate action against anyone who is illegally selling tobacco. This includes in regional Victoria.
For security and operational integrity reasons, TLV does not disclose specific deployment schedules or inspection dates.
The Hon. Enver Erdogan MLC
Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation
Minister for Corrections
Minister for Youth Justice