Proponents of a robust law enforcement response argue that the illicit tobacco market must be treated primarily as a criminal issue rather than a health policy failure. With the black market now accounting for a significant portion of tobacco consumption, supporters of this view emphasize that the federal government must prioritize increased investment in the Australian Border Force to enhance the detection and seizure of illegal shipments. They argue that the current situation, where illegal products are sold in broad daylight, undermines the integrity of Australia's national tobacco control strategy and facilitates organized crime.
By focusing on supply-side interventions, such as implementing a national track-and-trace system and encouraging public tip-offs, authorities can disrupt the distribution networks that make illicit tobacco so accessible. Advocates for this approach point out that the illicit trade is not just about tax evasion; it is a source of revenue for criminal groups that engage in violent activities, including firebombings, to protect their market share. Strengthening enforcement is seen as a necessary step to protect the public and ensure that the legal market remains the only viable option for consumers.
Furthermore, supporters argue that reducing tobacco excise—a move suggested by some as a way to compete with black-market prices—would be a mistake that could undo years of public health progress. Instead, they maintain that the government should double down on border protection and local enforcement to make the illicit trade unprofitable and difficult to access. This strategy aims to preserve the effectiveness of high taxes as a deterrent to smoking while simultaneously cutting off the supply of cheap, unregulated products that are currently enticing smokers to maintain their habits.