Fresh data is ramping up the call for Premier Roger Cook’s administration to implement stricter regulations against the illicit cigarette market.
For the first time in thirty years, the percentage of West Australians who smoke climbed last fiscal year, rising from 10 percent in 2022/23 to 12 percent.
Additionally, the curiosity around vaping is gaining traction.
Libby Jardine from the WA Cancer Council expressed concern, stating, “In Western Australia, tobacco is currently more accessible than staples like milk, bread, and fresh produce, which is an issue we need to tackle urgently.”
Cook attributes the rise in smoking rates to population growth, citing “record numbers of people coming to Western Australia from overseas” as a contributing factor.
However, the opposition places the responsibility squarely on him.
“These are issues which affects everyday health of West Australians, making it harder to obtain these illegal substances has to be a priority for this government but it hasn’t been,” Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said.
Illegal tobacco laws are yet to be introduced to parliament but health advocates are pushing for the Cook government to pull the trigger.
“We’re seeing both South Australia and Queensland lead the way in this, so really the time for WA to act was yesterday,” Jardine said.
WA’s Health Department has conducted more than 1600 inspections on Perth’s underground vape and tobacco market.
More than 190,000 vapes have been seized so far this year as well as 460,000 cigarettes and 80,000 kilograms of loose tobacco.
Cook was repeatedly questioned today on whether the smoking habits of WA Preventative Health Minister Sabina Winton set a bad example.
The premier deflected, criticising the opposition for getting personal, but the Liberal party never made a public comment.
“She knows from personal experience, just how addictive some of these substances are and how difficult it is the kick the habit,” Cook said.
The sentiment was echoed by Winton.
“[As] someone that has struggled with addiction to nicotine, I understand and relate to the challenges that other people face with addiction,” she told 9News.
