Tobacco and vapes—Illegal sales
587. Hon Neil Thomson to the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to my question 559 on illicit tobacco and vape sales. I note the widespread flagrant disregard for the law, and the minister's answer that her agency cannot fine a business for selling vapes without that fine being determined by a court, subsequent to prosecution.
For court actions initiated by the minister's agency on illegal sale of vapes since 1 January 2025, how many:
(a) have resulted in a prosecution;
(b) have resulted in a fine (include the value of fines);
(c) have resulted in the closure of a business;
(d) have involved retail outlet sales;
(e) have involved wholesale storage; and
(f) have involved illegal importation of vapes?
Hon Pierre Yang replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following has been provided by the Minister for Health.
The Department of Health continues to refer cases for prosecution when they arise; however, there has been no finalised court convictions under state legislation for these proceedings in the period referred to.
