New commissioner to tackle nicotine black market

The federal government has appointed Erin Dale in the newly established role of Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner to ramp up the fight against black market nicotine products.

Dale — currently an Australian Border Force (ABF) Assistant Commissioner, leading the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Taskforce — will act in this role on an interim basis from 1 July 2024 until a formal appointment is made.

She has previously held various senior executive positions across ABF, including leading all national and regional border operations at Australian ports, overseeing travel, trade facilitation and enforcement functions.

The Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner will be an essential role in coordinating efforts to combat the threat of illicit tobacco and e-cigarettes, said the government in a statement. The commissioner will build on and strengthen existing arrangements, to ensure a more integrated whole-of-government response.

Since new regulations banning the import of disposable vapes began on 1 January, the ABF and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have jointly seized close to 1.9 million illicit vapes, keeping products off the street and out of the hands of young Australians, while putting a dent in the black-market supply chain.

Additionally, from 1 January to 30 April, the ABF has seized more than 112 tonnes of tobacco and 608 million cigarettes.

The establishment of the commissioner role follows the recent launch of the government’s $63.4 million ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign, which is raising awareness of the health harms of smoking and vaping and encouraging Australians to take advantage of expanded quit support services.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said, “Illicit tobacco and vaping products pose serious concerns to Australia’s success in tobacco control in our community, and I’m pleased to have Erin Dale to take on this role to ramp up our fight in this Australian-first role.

“We are tackling illicit products on multiple fronts and our coordinated efforts are working to control these products which are hooking Australians on nicotine, with dire health consequences.

“Anyone seeking help to quit smoking or vaping can call the Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 7848), visit quit.org.au or download the My QuitBuddy app,” Dale said.

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