LABOR’S TOBACCO PROMISE GOES UP IN SMOKE

Media Release | 13 October 2026

Adam Hort MLA
Shadow Minister for Police; Corrective Services; Youth

The Cook Labor Government is facing serious questions over further delays to its promised illicit tobacco laws, with Health Minister Meredith Hammat today admitting the legislation will not be introduced to Parliament until early 2027, despite repeatedly assuring Western Australians it would be introduced later this year.

In an embarrassing contradiction, the Minister’s admission comes as her own Department of Health website continues to advertise the introduction of tranche 2 later this year.

Shadow Police Minister Adam Hort said the Government had repeatedly promised tougher laws, but failed to deliver.

“Minister Hammat promised back in February that these laws would be introduced to Parliament this year, and was still publicly repeating that commitment in May. Eight months later, she’s now telling Western Australians they’ll have to wait until 2027,” Mr Hort said.

“It’s extraordinary that the Minister has broken her commitment to deliver these laws in 2026, while her own department’s website is still telling Western Australians they’re coming this year.

“What is the hold-up? Queensland passed stronger laws giving landlords the power to evict illicit tobacco operators last year. Why can’t Western Australia get on with the job?”

Mr Hort said the delays were particularly inexcusable given the Opposition had already introduced amendments in February to give landlords greater powers to terminate leases held by illicit tobacco operators.

“We did the work for them. We put the amendments on the table in February, but Labor refused to support them, promising instead to deal with these measures in the second tranche of legislation,” Mr Hort said.

“Other states got on with the job last year. The Cook Labor Government is still talking about legislation it has been promising for eight months.”

WA IGA State Board Chairman Jack Grant said independent retailers were paying the price for Labor’s inaction, with stronger landlord powers a critical part of tackling the illicit tobacco trade.

“Our independent retailers have already felt the impact of the illicit tobacco trade, including firebombings and threats to business security. Giving landlords the power to remove illegal operators is a key piece of the puzzle,” Mr Grant said.

“Legitimate businesses are doing the right thing, but they need the Government to back them. These protections are long overdue, and every further delay leaves businesses exposed.”

Media contact: Hayden Tognela – 0467 044 028

‍