Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government
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Released 03/12/2025 – Joint media release
The ACT Legislative Assembly has today passed new laws to explicitly prohibit the sale of illicit tobacco and give authorised officers stronger powers to inspect tobacco retailers’ premises, issue fines and seize prohibited items.
The Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Amendment Bill 2025 addresses growing public health risks from illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes by strengthening ACT’s regulatory framework.
Key changes under the new laws include:
- Illicit tobacco classified as a prohibited smoking product, enabling specific regulatory actions under ACT law.
- Expanded powers for authorised officers, including entry to public premises for inspection.
- Strengthened seizure provisions, allowing the ACT Government to retain seized goods without compensation under defined conditions.
- Infringement notices of $1,600 for selling prohibited smoking products, including illicit tobacco and vapes.
- Updated identity card requirements to better protect authorised officers from occupational violence.
These changes build on earlier reforms passed in April 2025 that align ACT vaping laws with Commonwealth legislation.
The ACT Government continues to work closely with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to ensure a nationally coordinated approach to the illicit tobacco and e-cigarette trade.
Alongside stronger regulation, the ACT Government is investing more than $1.2 million in expanded smoking and vaping cessation support services over the next three years, including the upgraded ACT Quitline service which launched in July 2025 with new digital support options, and a pilot youth-targeted clinical vaping cessation support service set to open before the end of 2026.
For information about where to get help to quit smoking or vaping, call the Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 7848).
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith:
“These reforms are an important step in protecting our community from the harms of smoking and vaping.
“The legislation lays the foundation for stronger action. Next year, we will bring forward additional reforms to tackle the illicit tobacco trade and strengthen community protection.
“These changes form part of our long-term commitment to reducing smoking and vaping rates and creating a healthier future for all Canberrans.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne:
“These laws send a clear message – illicit tobacco and vaping products have no place in our community. We are committed to protecting Canberrans from harmful and illegal products.
“The illicit tobacco and vaping market is constantly evolving and so must our response. These reforms ensure the ACT remains ahead of the curve in tackling these challenges.
“Our authorised officers will now have more tools to act quickly and decisively against businesses breaking the law. This is about keeping harmful products off shelves and out of homes.
“Access Canberra has written to all tobacco licence holders across the ACT alerting them to these reforms and will actively monitor compliance with the legislation.”
– Statement ends –
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases