Kulwant Virk Singh, a prominent Indian-Australian retailer in the Hunter Region, has launched a campaign urging the Federal Government to take immediate action against illicit tobacco shops. Singh, who owns and partners in multiple stores across NSW and Queensland, says the black market is threatening jobs, undermining local businesses, and putting communities at risk. The names and locations of his stores have been withheld for security reasons.
Singh has written to his local Federal MP, Dan Repacholi, as well as Health Minister Mark Butler and Home Affairs Minister Tony Bourke, requesting urgent meetings. He has also launched a Change.org petition, “Urge Government to Close Illicit Tobacco Shops Immediately Australia Wide,” which has gained more than 600 signatures in two months. The petition calls for national raids, including support from the Australian Defence Force, on the estimated 20,000 illegal tobacco outlets operating across NSW, many openly selling packs at prices far below legal rates.
The campaign highlights growing concern over the rising illicit tobacco trade, with NSW Premier Chris Minns recently warning that steep excise taxes have driven smokers onto the black market, now visible on high streets across Sydney. Singh emphasises that legal tobacco prices are the primary driver of the black market, and that frontline retailers face the consequences while illegal sellers continue to profit.
“Every week I’m watching sales walk out the door to the black market. My staff have even been threatened. Law-abiding businesses like mine are being punished while illegal shops thrive,” Singh said. He added that stronger enforcement, including ADF-supported raids, is needed to protect both retailers and communities.
Statistics illustrate the scale of the problem. Tobacco excise revenue has dropped from $16.3 billion in 2019/20 to $7.4 billion in 2024/25. Nicotine consumption has continued to rise, and the illicit market now accounts for an estimated 77 percent of total nicotine sales, including vapes. Since 2023, incidents linked to the so-called tobacco wars have included firebombings, shootings, and other violent crimes.
Singh’s campaign seeks urgent government intervention to curb illegal sales, safeguard jobs, and protect local communities. His petition can be signed here.
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