11 November 2025

Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management

The Tasmanian Government has announced a major crackdown on the sale of illegal smokes and vapes.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, announced new legislation was being developed to substantially increase penalties for criminals found to be selling illegal cigarettes.

“The legislation will include stronger powers, on-the-spot fines and extended closure orders for businesses selling illegal tobacco,” Minister Ellis said.

“Illegal tobacco is fuelling organised crime around Australia. Tougher enforcement against these criminal gangs sends the message that they will not be tolerated in Tasmania.

“We are delivering for Tasmania by coming at this from all angles.

“We are united in our mission to safeguard public health and uphold the law.”

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Health and Tasmania Police has been signed to strengthen the ongoing work of the Tobacco Control team to detect, deter, and disrupt the sale of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes across the State.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the Memorandum of Understanding formalises arrangements and enhances coordination and information sharing between the agencies.

“The Memorandum of Understanding ensures that our enforcement efforts are coordinated, intelligence is shared, and resources are deployed effectively,” Minister Archer said.

“It builds on our nation-leading reforms, including the ​Public Health Amendment (Vaping) Bill, and reinforces our commitment to protecting young people and reducing smoking rates across the State."

In partnership with Tasmania Police, Tobacco Control in the Department of Health has carried out four major operations this year targeting the supply and distribution networks responsible for bringing illicit tobacco, vapes, and other harmful products into Tasmania.

Between July and October 2025, Tobacco Control officers seized 531,950 cigarettes, 809 kg of loose tobacco and 7,920 vapes.

For more information, visit: Smoking product legislation | Tasmanian Department of Health: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/smoking/selling-smoking-products/smoking-product-legislation