MGA CEO Martin Stirling appeared twice on ABC Gippsland Regional Statewide Mornings on June 18, 2026, to discuss concerns that an emerging illicit alcohol market in Victoria could follow the same dangerous trajectory as the illegal tobacco trade.
In the first interview at 9:08am, Martin warned that the same warning signs now flashing for illicit alcohol were present in the early days of the illicit tobacco crisis, with illegal pop-up shops already emerging in urban Melbourne selling cheap and potentially dangerous products. He drew a direct parallel between the conditions that allowed illicit tobacco to flourish — a highly regulated, highly taxed product combined with weak enforcement — and the current situation facing the alcohol market.
“We’re seeing the same warning signs flashing up right now that we saw when illicit tobacco was just emerging,” Martin said.
Martin called for a dedicated taskforce with concentrated resourcing to enforce existing laws, while also flagging that tax policy discussions needed to be part of the conversation. He noted that ABS statistics showed organised crime now controls 80% of nicotine consumption in Australia, and that smoking rates have risen 40% even as excise has continued to increase — warning the same could happen with alcohol if action is not taken swiftly.
In the second interview at 10:08am, Martin reiterated his concerns about the speed at which organised crime moves into new markets, emphasising that wherever there is money to be made, organised crime will find a way.
“If there’s money to be made then organised crime will find a way to make it,” Martin said.
Both interviews aired ahead of the urgent industry meeting held in Melbourne that afternoon, bringing together MGA, retailers, law enforcement and illicit trade experts to develop a coordinated response to the growing threat.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Kath Markov, Marketing & Partnerships Manager
kath.markov@mgaiba.org.au
0452 660 506
