WA Tobacco Laws Dominate State Parliament as Hammat Vows to 'Hit Where It Hurts'
Health Minister Meredith Hammat has issued a direct challenge to Opposition MPs, urging them to back Premier Roger Cook's sweeping tobacco law reforms. This call comes after the Opposition criticised the Government for delays in addressing a black market that is reportedly fuelling organised crime across Western Australia.
In a fiery parliamentary session on Tuesday, Hammat announced new legislation, unveiled on Monday, designed to boost penalties and introduce shut-down orders for shops involved in illicit tobacco trade. She asserted that these measures will "hit them where it hurts," referencing a series of shootings and fire-bombings in Perth, York, and Bunbury that have been linked to criminal activities.
"Those on the other side of the House have been very enthusiastic in calling for new laws in this regard," Hammat stated. "So now is the time for the Opposition to back in the support for our bill and ensure it has a quick passage through this house and through the other house so we can get on with implementing these new laws."
Opposition Response and Broader Political Tensions
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas expressed criticism of the Government's phased approach, which prioritises increasing penalties before tightening tobacco licence rules. However, he indicated that the Opposition would not attempt to stall the legislation, emphasising a pragmatic stance.
"Better one trench than none, better today than next week or in four weeks. But let's see it, let's see if it matches up with the expectations of what the people of Western Australia want," Zempilas remarked.
Premier Roger Cook highlighted the tobacco laws as a key component of his 2026 agenda, vowing that the reforms represent the "toughest" in the nation. The proposed measures include maximum penalties of up to 15 years in jail for serious offences.
In contrast, Zempilas outlined his priorities for the year, focusing on housing, health, and household stress. "People in Western Australia have never felt worse off," he declared. "They are the three areas that we will continue to prosecute this Government on."
Parliamentary Conduct and Heated Exchanges
Speaker Stephen Price addressed concerns about parliamentary decorum, pledging to maintain order following complaints from both sides during Question Time in the previous year. "The first year (post-election) is over, so there's a little bit higher expectation about people's behaviour," he noted.
Despite this, Question Time on Tuesday descended into rowdiness, with Zempilas accusing Premier Cook of presiding over the worst housing crisis in the state's history. "Do you honestly believe that you are pulling every lever?" he questioned.
Cook dismissed the supplementary question as "entirely out of order" and shifted blame to the Opposition. "Why do they oppose every housing development that comes along?" he retorted. "Why are they standing in the way of progress?"
The debate underscores the intense political friction in Western Australia, as the Government pushes forward with aggressive anti-crime measures while facing scrutiny over broader social and economic issues.
