Question Time

Illegal Tobacco Sales

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:23): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to addressing a question to the Attorney-General regarding illegal tobacco sales.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Media reports note that the high price of tobacco, exacerbated by rising taxes and a cost-of-living crisis are causing a growing number of South Australian consumers to source illegal tobacco through the black market. Organised crime gangs are said to be taking advantage of this growing market, and ordinary citizens and businesses are reportedly being caught in the crossfire of inter-gang violence. The South Australian and Victorian police Operation Eclipse is promising 'swift action' for crimes linked to the supply and sale of illegal tobacco. My questions to the Attorney are:

1. Is it accurate that more than 200 illegal tobacco stores are operating in South Australia and, if so, why have they been allowed to continue to operate?

2. How many prosecutions have commenced since the government announced its new enforcement measures on illegal tobacco?

3. Has the Attorney-General sought a briefing about Victoria's illegal tobacco trade and, if so, when did he first seek that briefing?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:24): I thank the honourable member for her question. In relation to her question, I am going to respectfully dispute how she has characterised it. This government and this state does not 'allow' illegal tobacco operators to trade. That is a complete and utter fundamental misrepresentation of any facts at all. I am very pleased—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —that my colleague, the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, has taken much action already in cracking down on illegal tobacco and illegal vape sales and trade. We have seen numerous raids and numerous possible prosecutions in relation to the sale of illegal tobacco here in South Australia. I think I heard just in recent hours that there had been, in very recent times, five arrests by SAPOL and perhaps up to 15 more persons of interest being questioned in relation to this.

In relation to whether I have sought briefings or been involved in this, yes, absolutely. I can't remember exactly when, but some months ago I have been involved in discussions within government. I have been privy to briefings about some of the issues that they are facing in Victoria and how we can try to stop some of the extremes that we have seen in Victoria and South Australia. That is exactly why there has been very significant funding for Consumer and Business Services to undertake the work that they are doing and why SAPOL are very well equipped when there are criminal activities, such as arson that occurs, to make arrests and to prosecute.