Taking Action Against Illicit Tobacco
The illegal tobacco trade has become one of Australia’s most serious organised crime challenges, undermining legitimate businesses, threatening community safety and eroding confidence in the rule of law.
MGA Independent Businesses Australia is advocating for stronger enforcement, coordinated national action and legislative reform to combat the illegal tobacco trade and protect communities across Australia.
Follow our latest advocacy initiatives below.
Our Advocacy Priorities
MGA Independent Businesses Australia is calling for a nationally coordinated approach to combat the illegal tobacco trade and disrupt organised crime. Our advocacy focuses on:
Stronger Enforcement
Governments must have the powers and resources to quickly identify, close and permanently shut down businesses involved in the illegal tobacco trade, supported by tougher penalties for those who break the law.
Greater Accountability
Everyone who enables the illegal tobacco trade should be held accountable, including landlords and others who knowingly facilitate criminal activity.
National Coordination
Illegal tobacco is a national issue that requires coordinated action between federal, state and territory governments, with stronger intelligence sharing and joint enforcement efforts.
Protecting Communities
The illegal tobacco trade is more than a retail issue. Governments must protect communities by supporting lawful retail channels and raising awareness of the risks associated with illicit tobacco.
Latest Advocacy Updates
MGA continues to advocate for stronger action to combat the illegal tobacco trade and protect Australian communities, legitimate retailers and the integrity of the law. Explore our latest advocacy initiatives below.
Letter to WA Premier
On behalf of concerned retailers in WA, MGA together with the IGA WA State Board has issued a letter calling on the WA Premier to fast-track landlord accountability laws.
Queensland has already shown these laws work. By holding landlords accountable and giving them stronger powers to terminate leases with illegal operators, hundreds of illegal tobacco stores have been shut down in just six months. WA should not wait until 2027 to introduce similar reforms.
Parliamentary Inquiry: Illicit Tobacco Crisis in Australia
MGA CEO Martin Stirling appeared before the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Illicit Tobacco Crisis in Australia to present evidence on behalf of independent retailers. His testimony reinforced the urgent need for nationally coordinated enforcement, stronger penalties and decisive government action to disrupt organised crime’s involvement in the illicit tobacco trade.
Recent Media Coverage
MGA continues to advocate publicly through media interviews and statements that raise awareness of the growing impact of illegal tobacco on communities, governments and legitimate businesses. We will continue to work with policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure this issue remains a national priority. Browse our latest media coverage on illicit trade.
