Thirty new full-time equivalent tobacco inspectors will be recruited to boost the NSW Health’s newly established Centre for Regulation & Enforcement, the NSW Government has announced.
The new Inspectors, with additional funding from the Commonwealth Government, bring the dedicated statewide team to a total of 78 staff.
Over half of the additional 30 have commenced or are about to commence, and the other half are in the process of being recruited, Minister for Health, Ryan Park, confirmed.
“I am very grateful for the additional support from the Commonwealth Government to assist in our tobacco enforcement efforts,” said Mr Park.
“It is an acknowledgement that the Federal tobacco excise is out of step with the community and it is driving consumers towards cheaper illegal tobacco products.
“The assistance from the Commonwealth will help us get ahead of the prevalence of illegal tobacco over the next two years.
“But so long as the Federal excise is where it is, we can continue to see illegal tobacco permeate throughout our high streets – and so I will continue to work constructively with our Commonwealth colleagues in establishing a more sustainable, long term and permanent funding stream for tobacco enforcement personnel.”
NSW’s tough new illicit tobacco laws have seen the introduction of closure order powers, with NSW Health Inspectors working together with NSW Police to close down stores selling illicit tobacco and vaping goods.
The closure of five tobacconists in Sydney’s Inner West last week by NSW Health Inspectors and NSW Police brings the total to 66 stores closed since the laws came into effect in November last year.
