The Western Australian government’s priority amendments to the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 have passed the Legislative Assembly and will now be debated in the Legislative Council.

According to the state government, the new laws would ensure Western Australia has some of the strongest penalties in Australia for businesses caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes.

Under the proposed legislative changes, the maximum penalty for possession of a large commercial quantity of illicit tobacco and vaping products will be $4.2 million for an individual or $21 million for a company, and 15 years imprisonment.

Store closure orders of up to 90 days will also be introduced, ensuring businesses supplying illegal products will not be able to operate while investigations take place.

WA Premier Roger Cook says these laws are about keeping Western Australians safe, crushing this dangerous trade, and driving criminals out of business.

“Advocates have strongly backed these proposed changes to this legislation and urged MPs to pass them without delay,” he says. “I look forward to continued support on this legislation in the Upper House.”

A second tranche of legislation, further tightening licencing, and introducing long-term closures of businesses for up to 12 months will be introduced to Parliament later this year.