Former officer says Victoria’s tobacco crackdown came too late

A former federal police officer has criticised Victoria’s handling of the illicit tobacco trade, saying stronger enforcement powers were introduced too late. Rohan Pike, who founded the federal Tobacco Strike Team, said the state government had allowed the black market to grow. He also argued that Victoria Police remained under-resourced.

New laws that came into force on September 9 allow inspectors and police to close shops found selling illegal tobacco for an initial period of up to 90 days. Businesses can be publicly listed, and closures may be extended through the courts. At least 51 closure notices had been issued since the laws began, according to the report.

Premier Ben Carroll acknowledged that the government should have acted sooner but said progress had been made. Pike said closure powers could encourage more raids but had so far done little to reduce a market linked in the report to murders and hundreds of arson attacks. He said enforcement officers had operated for years without enough staff, expertise or resources.

Victoria increased the number of Tobacco Licensing Victoria inspectors from 14 to 42. Pike said most were based in Melbourne, leaving regional police to carry additional responsibilities. Queensland data cited in the report showed legal cigarette sales rising 55 per cent after legislation strengthened powers to close illegal tobacco shops.

Assistant Customs Minister Julian Hill said the result showed the importance of state and territory action, while Pike argued that federal policy changes were also needed.