Illegal tobacco commissioner Erin Dale refused British American Tobacco’s request for meeting

The woman tasked with ramping up the fight against illegal tobacco has refused to meet with industry giant British American Tobacco.

Interim Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner Erin Dale will not be kept in the role. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Embattled national tobacco tsar Erin Dale refused to meet with a major company who wanted to warn that illicit use was skyrocketing under her watch.

British American Tobacco (BAT) is understood to have written to Ms Dale’s office last month requesting a meeting after “closely monitoring the growth of the illegal trade”.

It found that 39.4 per cent of all tobacco sales were on the black market in 2024 – up 11.4 per cent from 2023 (28 per cent).

Illicit sales are also predicted to rise to 54.6 per cent this year and escalate to 64.2 per cent by the end of 2026, if current policy and enforcement isn’t changed.

BAT was so alarmed at the report, its General Manager of Australia, Rory Cotter, requested a meeting for “closer collaboration”.

It noted the black market was “evolving in both scale and sophistication”.

“We believe that greater collaboration between industry and government is essential to effectively address the threat posed by illicit operators – particularly in light of new consumer trends and enforcement challenges,” the letter, seen by the Herald Sun, states.

“I would welcome the opportunity to share these insights in more detail with you and your team and to explore how BAT Australia can constructively support your important work going forward,” the letter continued.

It’s estimated illegal tobacco will make up 64 per cent of the market by the end of next year.

Ms Dale was tasked with ramping up the fight against illegal nicotine products, after being announced as the interim Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner (ITEC) in July 2024.

But her reply letter, the following week, simply stated Ms Dale had “reviewed it” but the commissioner was “unavailable to meet with you”.

The Federal Government response cited a policy about ‘guidance for public officials interacting with the tobacco industry.’

But BAT is a certified ‘trusted trader’ through Australian Border Force and regularly interacts with the government about this issue, which was pointed out in a letter sent in reply the same day.

In that letter, it states “the illicit tobacco situation is deteriorating rapidly and requires urgent intervention” to prevent “a complete collapse” in the legal market.

The company sought “urgent clarification” so it could share its data and “discuss this critical issue that threatens public safety and the wider community.”

But there has been no response.

The Herald Sun revealed this week that Ms Dale, an interim appointment, would not be kept on in the role and a process to find her replacement was underway.

Originally published as Illegal tobacco commissioner Erin Dale refused British American Tobacco’s request for meeting