Today, the NSW Parliament has passed the Government's tough new laws to crack down on illegal tobacco in our communitg, following a vote in the NSW Legislative Council.
Soon, those who peddle illegal tobacco in our communities will face the prospect of fines of up to $1.5 million; prison terms of up to 7 years; and closure of their businesses - some of the toughest laws in the country.
These laws will complement the commencement of our tobacco licensing scheme which will make it easier to identify and clean out bad actors.
And they will be supported by NSW Health's newly established Centre for Regulation and Enforcement.
We are determined to disrupt the business model of large-scale criminals who profit from addiction, tax evasion, and putting young people at risk.
These laws aim to protect public health as well as protect small businesses who do the right thing
