By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Draft bill released: Tasmania proposes tougher penalties and expanded powers to shut down illicit tobacco and vape sellers.
- Enforcement already escalating: Recent joint operations seized $3.2 million worth of illegal products in just two weeks.
- More reform coming: Government plans to consolidate all smoking and nicotine laws into a single statewide act.
Tasmania’s government has released draft legislation proposing tougher penalties and expanded enforcement powers to curb the state’s growing trade in illegal tobacco, vaping products, and nicotine pouches.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the illicit market has expanded rapidly across Australia, including in Tasmania, prompting the government to seek stronger legal tools.
“The Tasmanian Government has begun consultation with key stakeholders and the community on new legislation that targets this illegal trade, while protecting businesses and consumers who are doing the right thing,” Archer said.
The Draft Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2026 would introduce new offenses, increase penalties for the sale and supply of illegal tobacco and vaping products, and grant authorities expanded powers to shut down businesses found trading in illicit goods.
“This draft legislation is about targeting those trading illegally and making it clear that the trade of illicit tobacco products will not be tolerated in our State,” Archer said, adding that it reinforces the government’s commitment to youth protection and smoking reduction.
The proposal builds on existing enforcement measures, including a memorandum of understanding signed last year between the Department of Health and Tasmania Police that strengthened joint operations.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said that coordinated enforcement under the MOU has already produced significant results. “Targeted operations supported by this MOU over the last two weeks have resulted in the seizure of 2.1 million cigarette sticks, 1,035 kilograms of loose tobacco, and 735 vapes; an estimated street value of $3.2 million,” Ellis said.
Ellis said the proposed legislation would further empower frontline officers. “The new legislation will strengthen the work of Tobacco Control Officers, who are on the ground every day protecting communities from illegal tobacco and vaping products,” he said.
While highlighting recent enforcement successes, Ellis also urged broader coordination. “We need a national approach that drives better public health outcomes and supports community safety,” he said.
The draft bill is now open for public consultation on the Department of Health website, with submissions due by March 6, 2026. The legislation is part of a staged reform agenda, with a subsequent phase to consolidate all smoking and nicotine laws into a single Smoking Product Act for Tasmania.
