Media Release: Illicit tobacco sales pose a ‘profound and urgent threat’ to public health in South Australia

The President of the Australian Medical Association in South Australia (AMA SA) Associate Professor Peter Subramaniam says he is alarmed by the prevalence of illicit tobacco products in the state and the threat they pose to young people and other vulnerable communities.

His comments follow Operation Shutdown, which, according to the South Australian Government, has resulted in the seizure of more than 3.3 million cigarettes, 10,667 vapes and over one tonne of loose tobacco since 5 June.

‘AMA SA commends the South Australian Government for taking firm action to stamp out the scourge of illegal tobacco and vape sales,’ A/Prof Subramaniam says.

‘The sheer scale of this seizure is cause for serious concern. Illicit tobacco presents a profound and urgent threat to public health.

‘Anecdotal evidence suggests that the easy availability of cigarettes and vapes is fuelling addiction and potentially creating a new generation of smokers.

‘It also makes it much harder for existing smokers to quit, exposing vulnerable people to preventable disease and early death.’

Smoking rates in Australia are at historic lows, with only 8.3% of people aged 14 and over currently smoking. A/Prof Subramaniam says that’s now at risk.

‘Australia has been a global leader in tackling tobacco use. We cannot allow the progress we’ve made to be undone,’ he says.

‘To protect our community – especially our young people – we must maintain pressure through enforcement, education, and prevention.

‘Smokers don’t have to face the burden of quitting alone. GPs are trained to provide personalised care and support to help people take the important step toward a healthier future.’

For more information please contact Media Manager Ben Terry on 0478 847 604.