Stockists of illegal tobacco are thumbing their nose at the government's ability to enforce its weak laws, with illegal products back on the shelves within 24 hours of a major police raid.
Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, Tim McCurdy, said Labor's inaction was putting Victorians at risk.
"Raids that seize stock in the morning only for shops to reopen the very next day shows how ineffective Labor's laws are," Mr McCurdy said.
"These laws are nothing more than words on a page. Without enforcement powers like store closures, Victoria will continue to be a safe haven for organised crime gangs."
Victoria is the only state without store-closure powers, allowing organised crime syndicates to keep trading as if nothing has happened.
Mr McCurdy said the government's delay is putting communities at risk.
"Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia - they've all acted. Here in Victoria, spin has replaced enforcement. Police and regulators are doing the best they can, but with no power to close illegal traders, the deterrent is non-existent," said Mr McCurdy.
"Unless these laws are strengthened, we'll see more crime, more arsons, and sadly, more lives lost."
Mr McCurdy said The Liberals and Nationals will continue to fight for practical, enforceable laws to give police the resources they need.
"Words won't keep people safe. Enforcement will. Labor must stop pretending and start acting."
Labor can't manage crime and Victorians are paying the price.
