by Pippa Starr
29 January 2025
Jews become targets of firebombings and graffiti incidents on a few occasions in this country and it fast becomes a major mainstream media and political issue,
and so it shoud too! It's bloody deplorable!
However there is another terror that is funded by international sydicates that requires urgent attention that is threatening our way of life happening now right under our singed nose hairs!
Nationwide firebomings have occured no less than 218 times, at least 3 deadly shooting executions, and many stabbings on the back of bad public health policy that has fueled a massive turf war, yet hardly anyone batters an eyelid and treats this as situation normal!
What the hell is wrong with this country?
Since Labor came into government, Australia has witnessed a disturbing surge in violent incidents linked to the illicit tobacco and vaping markets. More than 218 arson attacks have targeted tobacconists and adjacent businesses right across Australia, resulting in damages exceeding an estimated 750 million dollars to our economy which doesn't include the properties being devalued nearby those effected businesses/targets that can't even get insurance!
Plus federal Health Minister Butler and the states have thrown more than another $750 millon at trying to enforce illegal nicotine product sales which has proven quickly to be even more public funds that have gone up in smoke!
Then there is the billions upon billions of lost taxes from the budget from sales of tobacco and vapes, that is now diverted into black market crime sydicates who are making billions on the back of Labor's failure to take control in what can only be described as a public health policy disaster!
Anyone battered an eyelid yet?
Maybe you wern't one of the hundereds of people who have had to be urgently evacuated in the middle of the night, had your home or car burned down, suffered smoke inhalation or had your local business or community hub threatened or destroyed yet?
These attacks have not only destroyed properties but also endangered lives, including those of firefighters confronting these hazardous blazes.
The escalation of such violence is closely tied to Australia's stringent tobacco control measures. The federal excise on legal tobacco has made the black market immensely profitable, attracting organised crime involvement and leading to violent conflicts.
In response to rising health concerns, the Australian government has implemented strict regulations on vaping products. As of October 1, 2024, legal vapes can only be bought from only a handfull of pharmacies selling overpriced inadequate products by people over 18 without a prescription (except WA & TAS), with flavours limited to mint, menthol, or tobacco.
While the Government state these measures aim to protect public health, they have inadvertently fueled a lucrative and extremely dangerous black market. Illegal cigarettes and vapes, often sold at a fraction of the price of their legal counterparts, are readily available from storefronts rather than clandestine sources. This underground market has become a battleground for organised crime groups, leading to violent turf wars manifesting in firebombings and bloody shootings.
Authorities are grappling with the complex challenges of combating illicit tobacco trade while addressing public health concerns. The Australian Border Force has intensified efforts, seizing over 6 million vape devices (a drop in the ocean) since the importation ban. However, the persistence of illegal activities suggests that current strategies have failed and increasingly fail!
The situation underscores the unintended consequences of prohibitive measures. While the intent is supposed to safeguard public health, excessively stringent regulations and high taxation drives consumers toward illegal markets, inadvertently empowering criminal enterprises and escalating violence. A more balanced approach, involving regulated access and education, will mitigate these adverse outcomes while still promoting public health objectives.
But for that to happen, the Government needs to listen to all stakeholders, not just the ones they favour. They need to get in touch with the reality of what is really happening!
The alternative is more of the same devastation!
Maybe when you can't get insurance, your property is devalued or a loved one has their life taken too soon, more of you will take notice and speak up!
Now is the time!
In this election year, this issue will effect more than 10% of the vote!
Will you vote for more of the same or an alternative Government with the strength to admit failure as Nationals leader David Littleproud did last year?