The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has raised the plight of local business owners in parliament, urging the Allan Labor Government to dispatch illegal tobacco inspectors to the Latrobe Valley.
Tobacco Licensing Victoria has been introduced, and Labor has tasked just 14 inspectors with the compliance and enforcement operations of over 1,000 tobacco shops in Victoria.
“This is unrealistic and inadequate, and Victorians are right to doubt whether this scheme will deliver any meaningful change,” Mr Cameron said.
“Last year a tobacco shop in Morwell was firebombed, and a few weeks ago there was a ramraid on a shop in Newborough.
“I visited to speak with neighbouring businesses recently and the owners told me they’re scared. Their own operations are under threat because this form of organised crime has been allowed to continue unabated.
“Any action to smoke out organised crime is welcome, but the Allan Labor Government is putting too much faith in a single licensing scheme that is under-resourced and over-burdened.”
Mr Cameron urged local legitimate tobacco retailers to ensure they are properly licensed, with Victoria’s new tobacco licensing scheme now enforced as of 1 February.
“With enforcement now in place, it’s important that local businesses understand their obligations and do the right thing by applying for a licence if they sell tobacco,” he said.
“For years, local authorities have been left to deal with this problem with very limited powers, while organised crime has flourished.
“The Nationals previously attempted to introduce legislation for a strict licensing scheme, fit and proper person tests, stronger police powers and serious penalties, but Labor refused to support it at the time.
“I encourage legitimate retailers to get licensed and operate within the law.”
