Federal Member for Monash, Mary Aldred, has raised concerns in parliament over a pop-up vape store in Inverloch that continues to operate despite being raided by federal authorities last month. The raid was conducted over allegations that the store was selling vaping products to minors.
In her parliamentary speech, Ms. Aldred emphasized the detrimental impact that the illicit tobacco and vaping trade is having on regional towns such as Inverloch. “Inverloch is one of the most beautiful parts of my electorate,” she remarked. “But like many parts of Australia right now, Inverloch has an illegal tobacco and vape outlet in town.”
Community Concerns and Federal Response
Residents of Inverloch have expressed their concerns to Ms. Aldred about the ongoing operation of the store. Despite a raid by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) officers and Victoria Police in late January, which resulted in the seizure of hundreds of vapes, the store remains open.
“While the TGA continues to consider what to do next, the outlet remains open for business,” Ms. Aldred stated. She further highlighted that organized crime cartels are fueling the illicit trade across Australia, affecting small business owners, assaulting retail staff, and costing the tax office billions.
“More than 200 tobacco shops have been firebombed since 2023, and the retail industry estimates it has lost $2 billion in legal sales to the illegal trade over the past four years.”
Economic and Social Implications
The illegal trade in tobacco and vaping products is not only a local issue but a national one. In the final quarter of last year alone, the Australian Border Force seized over 467 tonnes of cigarettes and tobacco. Ms. Aldred pointed out that the black market products could have been worth more than $1 billion in evaded excise, funds that could have been used for public infrastructure such as roads, schools, and hospitals.
Ms. Aldred also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the new licensing scheme requiring all Victorian businesses selling tobacco to hold a license. “The 14 inspectors from the Tobacco Licensing Victoria Agency are expected to cover the entire state to dish out fines but not shut down illegal shops,” she said.
Expert Opinions on Enforcement Challenges
Quit Director Rachael Andersen echoed these concerns, stating, “We have reservations about the limited powers of Victorian licensing inspectors, and the size of their workforce, with just 14 inspectors for the whole state.”
“Under the Victorian scheme, inspectors will be unable to close shops found selling illicit tobacco nor can they act against stores selling illegal vaping products,” Ms. Andersen added.
Government Policies and Future Outlook
Ms. Aldred criticized the government’s approach, arguing that price increases on cigarettes are inadvertently driving up crime and smoking rates. “Illegal tobacco is putting all Australians at risk,” she said. “It’s about time the federal government and this minister got serious about addressing it.”
The ongoing operation of the Inverloch vape store highlights broader issues in the enforcement of tobacco and vaping regulations. As authorities continue to grapple with the challenges posed by the illicit trade, the call for more robust measures and resources grows louder.
Moving forward, the effectiveness of the new licensing scheme and the federal government’s response will be closely watched by communities and industry stakeholders alike. The situation in Inverloch serves as a microcosm of the national struggle against illegal tobacco and vaping products, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and coordinated action.
