PRESS RELEASE: Independent retailers welcome Senate inquiry into violent illicit tobacco market

Media Release

Thursday, 27 November 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independent retailers welcome Senate inquiry into violent illicit tobacco market

MGA Independent Businesses Australia strongly supports calls for a Senate inquiry into the rapidly escalating illicit tobacco crisis, which is placing small family-owned businesses under unprecedented and unacceptable threat.
What many once considered low-level offending has grown into a dangerous, highly organised criminal industry operating openly and aggressively across Australia.
‘Illicit tobacco’s rapid growth and dominance demand an urgent national exercise of accountability — what has been allowed to happen is a national embarrassment and tragedy” said Martin Stirling, CEO of MGA Independent Businesses Australia.
Independent grocery and liquor retailers are bearing the brunt of this criminal activity. Firebombings, ram-raids, intimidation, extortion attempts, and violence have become disturbingly common. Insights shared at MGA’s recent Retail Crime & Safety Forum made clear that retailers are exhausted by fear, financial loss, and the sense that current systems are failing to protect them.
Mr Stirling said a Senate inquiry is essential to expose the true scale of the illicit tobacco economy and to put meaningful protections in place.
“Our members are everyday family businesses not large chains, not multinational corporations and they are being crushed by a violent black market; through no fault of their own, our members are having to endure crippling insurance and security costs” Mr Stirling said.
“The physical and mental toll on legitimate retailers who can see the illicit market from their doorstep, is severe. Family businesses owners lie awake at night worrying whether their stores will be attacked or if their workers and customers will be assaulted in a crime gang war they have no part in and wish their government would take seriously”.
“The impact isn’t just about retailers having to deal with a dangerous retail landscape — it’s economic. Billions in lost excise, revenue that should be funding essential services, is instead enriching organised crime. We cannot allow this to continue unchecked. A Senate inquiry is an essential step to protect small businesses and hold criminals accountable.”
MGA is calling for stronger, coordinated enforcement across federal and state agencies, tougher penalties, and immediate measures to safeguard small businesses caught in the crossfire of organised criminal networks.
“This crisis is growing faster than the response. Small businesses need protection, certainty, and a clear commitment that their safety matters,” Mr Stirling said.
ENDS

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