Qld govt to crack down on illegal tobacco sales

After announcing an inquiry into the rampant use of vapes in Queensland, the Premier has sent another smoke signal.

The illegal sale of cigarettes will be targeted by the state government under new laws that will create a licensing scheme aimed at ensuring only “fit and proper” people are supplying tobacco.

Smoke-free areas will also be expanded in Queensland under the government’s smoking crackdown, while new restrictions will be introduced to make it harder to sell cigarettes at pubs and clubs.

The move comes after the government announced it would launch an inquiry into e-cigarettes in a bid to find out what the devices really contain and to curb their uptake among Queenslanders.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new laws would streamline the enforcement of Queensland’s anti-smoking laws to make it easier for agencies to limit the availability of illegal tobacco.

Under the shake-up, Queensland Health will become the lead agency for enforcing the laws – replacing the existing system that involves a framework of authorities.

“We are delivering on our commitment to take stronger action against smoking,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“While I’m pleased to see that smoking rates continue to drop in Queensland, we must do more.”

Only “fit and proper” people will be allowed to sell tobacco products in Queensland under the new licensing scheme to be introduced by the government.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the International Women's Day Fun Run in Brisbane on Sunday. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Cigarette vending machines at licensed venues, such as pubs and clubs, will also soon have to be moved behind the counter to limit their accessibility to under-18s.

The areas where smoking is banned in the Sunshine State will also be expanded to include carparks near schools and outdoor markets.

It will also become illegal to smoke near organised activities for children, such as at Scouts and Girl Guides events.

Smoking is already banned in a wide range of areas in Queensland, including skate parks, playgrounds, bus stops, taxi ranks, national parks, patrolled beaches, and major sports facilities.

According to a regulatory impact statement released by the government last year, the rate of smoking in Queensland among adults had dropped from 24 per cent in 1998 to 10 per cent in 2020.

The same document also warned the total cost of smoking to Queensland was $27.4bn as of 2015-16 when considering a range of factors, including admissions to hospital, workplace absenteeism and premature death.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said “too many” Queenslanders were dying from preventable deaths because of smoking.

Lung Foundation Australia chief executive Mark Brooke welcomed the proposed licensing scheme changes.

“Implementing a positive licence scheme is particularly important and Lung Foundation Australia are thrilled that once passed, this can start quickly,” he said.