NN Online:
Australia is witnessing a disturbing surge in violent attacks on tobacco retailers, with experts warning that the country’s already overwhelmed emergency services could be further burdened if the trend continues.
Queensland has become the latest hotspot, joining states like Victoria and New South Wales, where tobacconists have been targeted in fire-bombings, ram raids, and violent thefts. In Victoria alone, over 100 such attacks have occurred in the last two years. Authorities have linked the assaults to turf wars between organized crime groups battling for control over the booming black-market trade in illegal cigarettes and raw tobacco, commonly known as chop-chop.
The Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ) has raised alarm over the rising prevalence of illicit tobacco, which it fears could undermine public health efforts and escalate violence in communities. “As illegal products become more accessible, we fear increased hospital admissions due to associated crimes,” said Dr. Nick Yim, President of AMAQ.
The Queensland government has responded with a sharp increase in fines. Individuals caught selling illicit tobacco now face penalties of up to AUD 32,260, ten times the previous rate, while corporations can be fined as much as AUD 161,300. Additionally, businesses found guilty can be shut down for six months under new laws introduced in late 2024.
In April alone, 36 raids were conducted, leading to the seizure of 820,000 cigarettes, 180 kg of loose tobacco, and 24,000 nicotine pouches. “These pop-up shops reopen as quickly as we shut them,” Health Minister Tim Nicholls admitted in a radio interview.
The federal government is also stepping in. An AUD 156.7 million allocation was announced to strengthen enforcement by health, tax, and crime agencies in a bid to disrupt the black-market supply chains and intercept contraband at the borders.
However, growing criticism has been aimed at the federal Health Department’s policy of annually increasing tobacco taxes, originally meant to deter smoking. Critics say it has inadvertently incentivized black-market growth. Former Australian Border Force detective Rohan Pike, now with the Australian Association of Convenience Stores, highlighted the issue back in 2015. “We warned this would happen, but authorities were in denial,” Pike said.
Economist Chris Richardson echoed those sentiments, describing the tax policy as an “AUD 10 billion mistake” that created fertile ground for criminal networks while failing to curb nicotine use. According to wastewater analysis in Queensland, nicotine consumption has actually risen, suggesting smokers have simply shifted to unregulated alternatives.
Experts are also calling for risk reduction strategies such as legalizing smokeless tobacco products and easing access to regulated, safer alternative products. “Vapes and nicotine patches can be safer alternatives,” said Dr. Alex Wodak, a prominent risk reduction advocate.
Despite these arguments, Australia’s Health Department remains steadfast in its restrictive approach. The most recent budget even announced a further 15% tobacco tax hike, betting on an additional AUD 3.3 billion in revenue. Yet projections show revenue could drop by as much as AUD 10 billion by 2028.
Meanwhile, data shows 87% of vape users are now sourcing their products illegally, highlighting the growing appeal of the underground market.
