Northern Territory Ranks Last in Australia for Illicit Tobacco Laws

A damning report from the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH) has placed the Northern Territory (NT) at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to tackling illicit tobacco. This finding is particularly concerning given the NT's already high smoking rates, which are five times the national average among Aboriginal communities. ACOSH chief executive Laura Hunter minced no words, stating the NT's legislative framework is outdated and enforcement agencies are critically under-resourced. The report, which ranked Queensland highest, highlights a significant gap in the NT's ability to control the tobacco supply chain and implement effective licensing. Hunter's call for "real penalties that hit hard" and "boots on the ground" underscores the urgency needed to address a problem that costs Australia an estimated $7.7 billion annually in lost tax revenue. While the NT is singled out as the worst performer, the report also suggests that all jurisdictions have room for improvement, indicating a national challenge. From an Australian perspective, this isn't just about law enforcement; it's a public health crisis exacerbated by a thriving black market, particularly impacting vulnerable populations. The NT's position serves as a stark warning that current measures are failing to curb the illicit trade effectively.

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We need to see the introduction of real penalties that hit hard and we need resourced enforcement — boots on the ground.