AMA Highlights Urgent Action Needed on Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarettes

AMA Highlights Urgent Action Needed on Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarettes

25 Mar 2026

The symposium brought together police, border force officers, criminologists, public health experts, and government representatives, including Ms Amber Shuhyta, Commissioner of the Office of the Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner.

Attendees agreed that organised crime profits heavily from the current “high profit, low risk” environment. Collaboration across the system was highlighted as essential to address the issue.

A key focus was innovative public health messaging to reduce demand and usage. Participants also received updates from Queensland, South Australia, and New South Wales on legislative changes that are successfully reducing the number of tobacconists operating with minimal oversight.

Looking forward, the AMA will submit recommendations to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee inquiry into the illegal tobacco crisis. This includes advocating for a nationally consistent tobacco licensing framework to ensure stronger oversight of retailers, importers, warehouses, and distributors.

https://www.ama.com.au/

Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)

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