Community & Business
17 December, 2025
Upper House holds inquiry into illegal tobacco trade
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the NSW Legislative Council's Portfolio Committee No. 5 – Justice and Communities will hold the first hearing for its inquiry into the illegal tobacco trade.
The committee will hear from several witnesses including state and local government representatives, academics and health experts. The committee will also hear from a business owner based in regional NSW.
The chair of the committee, Robert Borsak MLC said: "The committee has received 118 submissions to this inquiry. Key issues that participants are raising include concerns about the existing oversight and enforcement in the sale of tobacco products, including the role of NSW Health and NSW Police."
"Stakeholders also have public health concerns including reports that tobacco products are being marketed to appeal to young people, and the unintended impact of tobacco excise on smoking rates. People are also raising the impact of the illegal tobacco trade on local communities and small businesses, particularly in regional and rural areas."
The chair continued: "The committee is looking forward to hearing directly from stakeholders to enhance our understanding of the impact of the illegal tobacco trade on the ground in New South Wales and to help us identify potential solutions."
