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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-09-04 Daily Xml
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Arson Attacks

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:54): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, representing the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, regarding arson attacks.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: On 15 August 2025, The Advertiser reported that the owner of Jade Nails Spa in Findon was left devastated after her business was destroyed in an arson attack targeting a neighbouring vape shop. This incident is part of the broader pattern of fire bombings across Adelaide linked to the illicit tobacco and vaping black market. In several cases, including attacks in the CBD and western suburbs, neighbouring businesses such as restaurants, offices and retail stores have suffered extensive damage despite having no connection to the targeted premises.

These events raise serious concerns among business owners and consumers about consumer safety, business continuity and adequacy of current protections for legitimate operators in shared retail precincts. My questions for the minister are:

1. What protection or support mechanisms are currently available to assist small business owners who suffer financial loss or disruption due to criminal activity linked to the illicit tobacco and vaping trade?

2. Can the minister please provide an update as to what SAPOL is doing to address the problem?

3. What strategy will the government be undertaking to prevent further escalation of arson attacks and restore safety for consumer and retail precincts?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:56): I thank the member for her question. I am happy to seek a response from the member in the other house.

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