Federal Labor have presided over the establishment and rise of the illegal tobacco trade in our country, allowing mafia and cartel style arrangements to establish themselves across parts of the country. The last three years have seen the government barely lift a finger to meaningfully tackle this scourge, allowing this illegal activity to multiply.
Today’s news that insurance premiums for legal tobacco traders have skyrocketed because of this is the latest manifestation of Labor not doing enough to tackle the issue.
“The cost of doing business is already crippling, yet State and Federal Labor governments, including Minister Tony Burke, are standing idly by while premiums soar to astronomical levels,” Senator Duniam said.
“This is happening because Labor has completely failed to get control of illegal tobacco. Instead of cracking down on the criminals, their inaction means that small businesses are increasingly suffering.”
“Today’s announcement of a new government body is cold comfort for businesses already crippled by this chaos and the communities living at the mercy of gang violence. It’s too little, too late. Tony Burke and Federal Labor have been missing in action – Australians need results now so our streets and shopfronts are safe.”
The illegal tobacco trade is now the fastest-growing in the OECD, fuelling firebombings, ram raids and violence. Legal retailers, and even neighbouring shops, are being treated as high-risk by insurers. Some are even being denied coverage altogether because Labor has failed to keep communities safe.
“Premiums jumping by more than 50 per cent is not bad luck – it’s the direct result of Labor’s failure to enforce the law. Minister Tony Burke and the Albanese Government cannot keep looking the other way,” Senator Duniam said.
He said the time for talk is over. Labor is relying on press releases and rhetoric while communities are living with the consequences of their inaction. Words do not stop firebombings, and statements don’t protect shopfronts.
“The community expects governments to stand up to criminals, not stand by in silence. They expect leadership, not excuses,” Senator Duniam said.
“This is now a law and order crisis. Federal Labor must get off their hands and act.”