Health expert says 'it's a mystery' why WA is falling behind eastern states on illegal tobacco laws
January 13, 2026 by abc.net.au
Health expert says 'it's a mystery' why WA is falling behind eastern states on illegal tobacco laws
A leading public health expert expressed puzzlement over why Western Australia has fallen behind other states in modernizing its illicit tobacco laws. The expert highlighted the clear rise of illegal tobacco outlets in Perth and regional areas, which has increased pressure on authorities to respond. Research has shown that this trade is closely connected to organized crime networks across the country. While other states have implemented stronger, updated legislation to tackle the issue, in WA the responsibility falls on the Health Department to inspect and sanction shops under the Tobacco Control Act 2006. This approach has left the state lagging in enforcement compared with the rest of the nation.
11.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.4 million current smokers in Australia 12.90% of men are current smokers but only 9.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
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