Dr. Pettitt questions the Minister for Police regarding actions to address illegal tobacco and vape sales, particularly in Fremantle, and collaboration with the Minister for Health on legislative reform. The Minister confirms police action and collaboration, deferring timeline specifics to the Minister for Health.

AnsweredQoN 1186Legislative Council
Asked
3 December 2025
Portfolio
Police

QuestionView source ↗

Tobacco and vapes—Illegal sales
1186. Hon Dr Brad Pettitt to the minister representing
the Minister for Police:
I refer to the
recent ABC article of 26 November 2025 called "Why convenience stores
along Fremantle cafe strip are at the front line of WA's illegal tobacco
trade".
(1) What actions can police currently take to
address the illegal tobacco trade in Western Australia?
(2) Are the Minister for Police and WA police
working with the Minister for Health and the Department of Health to address
the gaps in legislation that prevent police from acting on illegal sales of
tobacco?
(3) What is the timeline for legislative reform of
tobacco sales?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member
for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me
by the Minister for Police.
(1) Western Australia Police Force is actively
targeting serious organised crime groups responsible for committing serious
crimes associated with the illicit tobacco and e-cigarette trade, achieving
major seizures, arrests and financial disruption. WAPF has launched Operation
Balleroy and Taskforces Maverick and Rooster in response.
(2) Yes.
(3) The Minister for Health is the minister responsible
for the Tobacco Products Controls Act 2006 .

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