Published October 2025
Despite claiming to be tough on illegal tobacco, Labor’s weak 28-day closure orders are allowing dodgy smoke sellers to simply re-open and return to business just moments after their bans are lifted.
It’s a revolving door that continues to fuel South Australia’s out-of-control illegal tobacco trade - prompting the Opposition to renew its calls for permanent closure orders for those exploiting the system.
Standing outside of a recently shut Rundle Street store that has already reopened just weeks after its short-term closure order was lifted, Shadow Minister for Police, Jack Batty, said crime gangs are clearly running rings around the Labor Government.
“A few months ago, Labor held a press conference out the front of this very shop, gloating about the closure – now they seem to be back open for business,” Mr Batty said.
“The Government has the power to apply for permanent closure orders, but Minister Andrea Michaels doesn’t seem to be interested – instead preferring to let organised crime gangs run rampant across the state.
“You would think that figures showing there have been 1,375 complaints about the sale or supply of illicit tobacco or cigarettes this year and only 71 temporary closure notices issued would kick the Government into action but all we’re seeing is lip service.”
When questioned in Parliament on Thursday about how many illegal tobacconists have re-opened and resumed trading after short-term closure orders, Minister Michaels was unable to provide a figure.
“Enforcement officers should be visiting stores that have received a short-term closure order to make sure they aren’t back to their old tricks after the order expires,” Mr Batty said.
“Labor’s approach seems to be focused on merely inconveniencing dodgy convenience stores rather than butting out illegal tobacco for good.
“This whole enforcement campaign on illegal smokes is starting to look like smoke and mirrors.”
Media Contact: Gretel Mead 0449 500 844
