Retailers living and working in fear of Australia’s out-of-control tobacco wars have called on the Federal Labor Party to urgently show bipartisan support for the Coalition’s national crime policy, as the nation’s deadly illicit tobacco wars worsen.
AACS CEO Theo Foukkare said reports of up to more than 3000 illegal stores, which blatantly sell illicit products in shopping strips throughout Australia, show the crime crisis is more prevalent than ever.
“We are aware of about 3000 of these dodgy stores operating in plain sight across Australia and that’s after countless claims by the Albanese Government that it has a handle on this – when it clearly does not, it is worse than ever” Mr Foukkare said.
The illegal nicotine market is now worth more than $7 billion per annum & growing.
“Local and state governments are trying their best to combat this problem – but the reality is it is a disjointed approach & there just aren’t enough resources available to them to shut this dangerous black market down that is being run by dangerous crime gangs.
“AACS is calling on Federal Labor to put politics aside and adopt the same policy as the Coalition when it comes to taking charge at a Federal level with an AFP Taskforce being setup in every state to adequately fight crime groups and shut down the illicit tobacco and vape black market.
AACS represents over 7000 law abiding convenience stores that employ more than 75,000 people throughout Australia.
“We’ve been pleading for action for years and have only ever been met with silence and more of the same from the Albanese Government”.
“Health Minister Mark Butler continues to acknowledge that illicit tobacco and vapes are being sold by crime gangs who then use the tax-free profit they make to fund the importation of drugs and even sex trafficking into our vulnerable communities, yet his approach so far has been to leave it to the states, territories and local council workers to try and quash this monster and that is just not working.
“Voters want action on this now– as well as the cost-of-living crisis and the housing affordability crisis – this dangerous crime racket is absolutely at the forefront of voters’ minds as we head closer to the May 3 Federal Election.
‘Parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone caring for kids will vote for policies that address this dangerous scourge, and we know concerned families will very much consider this when deciding who to vote for in the coming weeks,” Mr Foukkare said.
“Whomever forms federal government must take urgent enforcement action on this”.
“We are saying to all politicians vying to win seat at the Federal Election to make your policy on this horrendous social issue known now,” he said.
Theo Foukkare is available for interview on 0423 003 133
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