Glen Innes Severn Council has taken a decisive stand against the growing threat of the illegal tobacco trade.
Following a resolution passed at the June Council meeting, council will prepare a formal submission to the NSW Legislative Council’s Portfolio Committee No. 5 – Justice and Communities inquiry into the illegal tobacco trade, ahead of the 1 August 2025 deadline.
The submission will include evidence from local businesses in Glen Innes that have been directly impacted by the illegal tobacco market, demonstrating the severity of the issue and the need for immediate action.
Council is taking this step in recognition of mounting community concern and as part of its commitment to advocate for local economic integrity, public safety and the protection of legitimate business operators.
“Illegal tobacco undermines local businesses, evades tax and funds organised crime. Council is committed to speaking up for our community and highlighting the very real impact this illicit trade is having on our town and more broadly the region.” Mayor Margot Davis said.
As part of the submission, Council will include that the NSW Government consider amending the Standard Instrument – Principal Local Environmental Plan as a key pathway to enabling more effective local planning responses to combat illegal tobacco operations. This planning mechanism could strengthen councils’ ability to regulate land use associated with such activity and enforce compliance more effectively across regional areas.
The submission will also make it clear that any potential change will also need to provide protections and adequate resources and funding to local councils so that there is no opportunity for potential cost-shifting from state or federal government.
Council will also raise the issue of the lack of Health Department enforcement officers in the region and call for additional resources to be rolled out and for the state government to step up and take accountability and action on the lack of enforcement.
In addition to its own submission, Glen Innes Severn Council is calling on neighbouring councils in the Northern Tablelands and New England regions to join the campaign by either making their own submissions or formally supporting Glen Innes Severn’s advocacy.
“This is not just a local issue—it’s become more and more a problem across the region.” Mayor Davis added.
“Council is taking a leadership role and urging our regional partners to stand with us. A coordinated response will send a stronger message to government that rural and regional communities will not tolerate the unchecked spread of illegal tobacco.”
Council will continue to work collaboratively with regional partners and industry stakeholders to ensure the concerns of affected communities are heard loud and clear at the state level.
Glen Innes Severn Council encourages local businesses and residents to write to council with their supporting submissions to help strengthen the case and to provide evidence of the impact on local businesses and the wider community.
Submissions can be sent to: council@gisc.nsw.gov.au ahead of the inquiry deadline on 1 August, 2025.
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