A LONG-awaited report into the tobacco industry has confirmed what we’ve known all along – that the State Government should set up a retail licensing scheme to end the chaos and crime.
That’s the view of Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, Tim McCurdy.
Highlighting of one of 27 key recommendations in the parliamentary report, Mr McCurdy said every seller would be required to hold a licence and face strict reporting rules.
“The illicit tobacco trade has grown dramatically, with almost 100 Victorian shops firebombed as Labor’s inactivity on licensing continues,” said the Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley.
His comments follow Wonthaggi’s first brush with the tobacco wars when a stolen car was driven through the shop front of a new tobacco shop in town with the car involved being torched elsewhere in the town.
Just a few days later, police arrested and charged a 20-year-old Endeavour Hills man with five counts of criminal damage by fire (two relating to buildings and three relating to vehicles), three counts of theft of motor vehicle and burglary.
One of the charges related to the ram-raiding of the Wonthaggi shop.
It is understood that the owner of the shop subsequently opted not to give the business operator a lease for fear that it might impact other traders in the street in the event of a fire.
Police from Taskforce Lunar have also executed search warrants and laid charges in relation to the sale of illegal tobacco in South Gippsland and Bass Coast however the trade continues almost unabated locally.
Enough is enough, according to Mr McCurdy.
“Premier Jacinta Allan in March declared urgent intervention was needed, yet nothing has been done to curb rampant criminal activity,” he said.
“The silence from the Premier is deafening as chaos reigns around her.
“The Premier must stand by her word and do something. How long do we have to wait?
“We are heading towards 100 shops burned. It’s a ton no one wants raise their bat for.
“The numbers have become ridiculous.
“Premier Allan must act urgently to stop this. The Premier must be true to her words back in March and introduce legislation.”
