Strong enforcement operations protecting Tasmanians from the harms of illegal tobacco

Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

The Tasmanian Government is continuing its crackdown on the trade of illegal smoking products in our State, seizing nearly 5.5 million cigarettes, over 2,500kg of loose tobacco, and nearly 30,000 e-cigarettes.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said several initiatives over the past 12 months have increased Tasmanian authorities’ capacity to combat illicit tobacco trade in Tasmania.

“These measures have led to significant quantities of illicit tobacco products removed from our streets and almost 200 infringement notices issued,” Minister Archer said.

“Over the past 12 months, we have expanded our tobacco control capability through the appointment of four new specialist Tobacco Control Officers.

“The Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026 passed in June 2026, introducing new offences and increased penalties for the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and vaping products, and new powers to shut down businesses that sell illegal product.

“As the next step, we will consolidate all tobacco, vaping and other nicotine laws into a single standalone Act, further strengthening enforcement while introducing measures that support Tasmanians to quit, prevent uptake, and reduce demand for nicotine products across the community.

“We will continue targeted operations throughout Tasmania as part of our commitment to reduce smoking rates and protect our young people from harm.

“We are sending a clear message: Tasmania will not tolerate the illegal trade of tobacco and vaping products.”

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis said the Department of Health and Tasmania Police were united in their mission to safeguard public health and uphold the law.

"A key part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is keeping communities safe,” Minister Ellis said.

“A Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Health and Tasmania Police was signed last year, formalising arrangements for collaborative work and enhanced information sharing work between the two agencies.

“These arrangements have enabled multiple targeted enforcement actions across the State.

“We also saw two multi-agency joint operations with Commonwealth partners.”

These measures have enabled Tobacco Control Officers in the last financial year to:

• issue 196 infringement notices, totalling $185,740.00 in fines; and

• seize approximately 5.43 million cigarettes, 2,535kg of loose tobacco, and 29,899 e-cigarettes (vapes).

Compared with the 2024–25 financial year, this was:

• 37 per cent more infringement notices issued;

• 58 per cent more fines issued;

• more than five times the number of cigarettes seized;

• more than four times the amount of loose tobacco seized; and

• nearly three times the number of e-cigarettes seized.

Last financial year, Tobacco Control Officers in the Department of Health responded to 151 complaints, conducted 968 routine compliance inspections, undertook 249 targeted enforcement actions, and conducted 56 new license inspections.

Minister Ellis said failed federal policy was continuing to fuel the profitability of the black market.

“The Federal Government’s tax hike on cigarettes has been a major policy failure. It has created a dangerous, illegal industry,” Minister Ellis said.

“The Tasmanian Government has taken decisive action by introducing tougher laws and stronger penalties to crack down on those driving the illegal tobacco trade.

“It’s time for the Federal Government to take responsibility and take corrective action by reducing the tobacco excise.”