The illicit tobacco trade in Western Australia is about to face a major crackdown, with the State Government assembling a dedicated taskforce to combat the issue. This initiative aims to protect the community and enforce existing regulations, but it also raises some interesting questions. Let's dive in.
The Department of Health is taking charge, with plans to incorporate both retired and current police officers into this new team. Leading the charge is WA Police Superintendent Steve Post, who's been appointed as the 'illicit tobacco tzar'. He's made his stance crystal clear: "Get out while you can." His team will focus on strengthening enforcement and compliance, utilizing new laws to their fullest extent.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Department of Health is responsible for inspecting and penalizing stores that sell illicit tobacco products. Superintendent Post's responsibilities will include assembling this new health taskforce of compliance officers.
Premier Roger Cook has stated that the team will include former police officers and current officers looking to transition away from frontline duties. The goal is clear: to stop the 'tobacco thugs' who are terrorizing the community. The collaboration between WA Police and Health will be closer than ever before.
Over the past year, some stores in Perth and regional WA have been targeted with arson attacks, fire bombings, and drive-by shootings, all allegedly linked to the illicit tobacco industry. This highlights the serious nature of the problem.
However, the move hasn't been met with universal approval. WA Police Union President Dave Flaherty has called the plan 'ridiculous,' expressing concerns about taking officers away from frontline duties, especially given existing vacancies. "Who's filling the void?" he asks.
And this is the part most people miss... The WA government is currently drafting new laws to give authorities the power to immediately shut down stores selling illicit tobacco. Police Minister Reece Whitby explained that this is a significant step, as current laws allow for fines but not immediate closure. Similar laws are already in place in Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.
Mr. Whitby defended the effectiveness of WA authorities in combating illegal tobacco, noting multiple arrests and the incarceration of key figures. He believes that bolstering compliance efforts within the health sector will further strengthen their fight.
The WA Government has allocated $5 million to fund the new compliance officers, though the exact number of staff members in the task force remains undisclosed, with Health Minister Meredith Hammat calling it a 'significant uplift.'
What do you think about this approach? Do you agree with the plan to pull officers from frontline duties, or do you share the concerns of the WA Police Union? Let's discuss in the comments!
