‘Real risk’ illegal products will see Queensland smoking rate rise again

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer has warned that illegal cigarettes and vapes threaten to undo decades of work reducing the state’s smoking rate.

Dr Heidi Carroll’s comments came after Attorney-General Deb Frecklington raised concern over the number of blackmarket retailers “popping up” across Queensland, as the government prepares for another crackdown.

Carroll said vapes were linked to an increasing range of health concerns, and quitting was the only way to mitigate the deadly risks of smoking.

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Heidi Carroll, is concerned illegal cigarettes and vapes will undermine decades of work to reduce smoking rates.Credit: Bloomberg

“The availability of illicit tobacco and vaping products is a barrier that can keep people from quitting smoking,” she said.

“There is a real risk these products could undo the great work Queensland has done to curb its smoking rate.”

Queensland’s smoking rate is already higher than in any other state or territory and above the national average.

In 2023, 10.1 per cent of Queensland adults smoked daily, while an additional 4.7 per cent smoked less frequently.

An increasing number of convenience stores in the CBD and surrounding suburbs illegally sell tobacco products.

Police believe the influx has spilled into the open over recent months, with multiple retailers targeted by criminals fighting for market share – sometimes with explosive consequences.

Frecklington confirmed last week the government was considering its options in relation to illegal operators.

“They’re popping up in all of our regional cities and towns. It is an increasing concern,” she said.

Attorney General Deb Frecklington at Parliament House on Wednesday.Credit: William Davis

“I’ve asked for a briefing from my department, and we’re working through that as well at a director level.

“We need to ensure that there is enforcement taking place … and that’s exactly why we’re working through the range of options available to us.

“It is a very serious issue, and one that I’m taking very seriously. You’ll hear me talk a lot more about this.”

With Queensland Health also involved as the regulator, Carroll insisted the department had a “zero-tolerance approach”.

“Our strict illicit tobacco laws are helping to effectively stop the sale of millions of illegal tobacco and vaping products in the state,” she said.

“Our enforcement action is having a disruptive impact on the supply of illegal vapes at retail stores, with fewer items being held in-store, lower seizure quantities, observation of price increases, and the closure of vape-only retailers.”

In a 12-week blitz by Queensland Health from July, more than 5.2 million cigarettes and 1.2 tonnes of loose tobacco were seized from Queensland retailers.

About 8500 illegal vapes and 12,000 nicotine pouches were also found.

Organised crime is believed to control about 75 per cent of the market.

In December, it emerged Australia Post contractors were busted in an alleged plot to import more than half a million illegal cigarettes into Queensland by infiltrating the delivery service.

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