THE NSW Coalition will introduce a Bill in Parliament to crack down on criminals and make NSW the hardest place in Australia to sell illegal tobacco and vapes.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said while other states have cracked down on illegal tobacco, the Minns Labor Government has let New South Wales become the easiest place in the country for crooks to make money.

“Everyone knows what’s going on – these dodgy shops are all over our suburbs, run by criminals selling illegal tobacco and vapes like it’s completely normal,” Mr Speakman said.

“Chris Minns has done nothing while communities and small businesses wear the cost. If Labor won’t clean it up, we will.

“Our plan will shut these shops down, hit the criminals with million-dollar fines or jail, and make it crystal clear – if you’re dealing illegal tobacco in New South Wales, your days are numbered. No more soft touch. No more excuses.”

Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said the Minns Labor Government has allowed criminals to easily defy the law.

“Organised crime has had a free ride under this NSW government. These aren’t corner stores – they’re fronts for crime gangs,” Mr Henskens said.

“Chris Minns has let them pop up in plain sight and endanger our community with random violence.

“Our laws will disrupt their business model by shutting the doors, tearing up the leases, and putting the crooks behind bars. If you’re breaking the law, under the Coalition, there will be nowhere to hide.”

Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said communities across New South Wales were crying out for real action on illicit tobacco.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman.

“We are seeing high streets across New South Wales being taken over by dodgy tobacconists and organised crime gangs profiting from Chris Minns’ inaction,” Ms Sloane said.

“We can’t risk a new generation getting hooked on cheap cigarettes and destroying their health because the Minns Government failed to act on enforcement and tougher penalties.”

Shadow Regional Health Minister Gurmesh Singh said criminals now see Nedw South Wales as a soft target given the state’s weak penalties and enforcement.

“Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have all stepped up with tougher penalties and strong enforcement,” Mr Singh said.

“Chris Minns inaction has left NSW exposed to more criminals, more violence and more illicit tobacco.”

The Coalition’s Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 will:

Further increase the penalties for the sale of illicit tobacco, including prison sentences of up to seven years for serious offending or a $1.5 million fine;

Provide NSW Health with the power to issue closure orders for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vapes for up to one month;

Provide magistrates with the power to issue closure order for businesses selling illicit tobacco and vapes for up to 12 months;

Give lessors the statutory right to terminate leases where a closure order has been issued; and

Create a new offence for lessors who knowingly permit their tenant to use the store for the sale of illegal tobacco or vapes.