The Victorian Government’s $13.4 million investment in policing to increase enforcement against illicit tobacco has been welcomed by the Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA).
Angus Nardi, CEO of the SCCA, it is a positive step that the initiative will increase the number of officers on an inspection force dedicated to targeting such products.
“We welcome further investment that gets more police back onto the frontline, supported by the tools and resources they need to respond quickly and effectively,” he said.
“Illicit tobacco is not a victimless issue; it is linked to broader organised crime and has real impacts on legitimate retailers and community safety.
“The additional $13.4 million investment, alongside tougher enforcement measures such as closure powers and provisions enabling landlords to terminate non-compliant tenancies, is a critical step forward.”
The SCCA called for continued collaboration among governments, police, and industry stakeholders to combat the challenges it faces.
“We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the Victorian Government and police to ensure shopping centres remain safe, welcoming places for the community,” Nardi said.
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