Authorities have shut 100 shops under newly granted powers aimed at stamping out the trade in illegal tobacco. Since those powers took effect on 9 September, the VIPER Taskforce and Tobacco Licensing Victoria officers have confiscated over four million unlawful cigarettes, roughly 70,000 vaping devices, three tonnes of leaf tobacco and close to $1 million in cash. The drive is directed at criminal networks that profit from the illicit product, including groups run from overseas. Retailers across a string of Melbourne suburbs have been inspected, and the operation is still underway.
An investigation by Four Corners has found that Little Zak's has the highest share of centres subject to enforcement action among Australia's 26 largest long daycare operators. Regulators recorded almost 600 confirmed breaches at its centres between 2020 and September 2025. Parents at its Shellharbour centre describe serious injuries and concerns about supervision. Little Zak's says its focus is on quality and safety. Federal Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh says new reforms are on track, though some large operators have not been included in a funding crackdown.
Water regulators are visiting 120 properties across Lismore, Casino and nearby areas during October. The visits aim to help large water users understand metering rules before a December 1 compliance deadline. The Natural Resources Access Regulator says enforcement will follow once the deadline passes. Licence holders can meet the rules by installing an approved meter, applying for an eligible exemption, or classifying works into a category that needs no meter. Regulator director Keeley Reynolds urged users to act now rather than wait.
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Illegal waste dumpers across Greater Geelong are being put on notice under a new state government crackdown. Greater Geelong will partner with the Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce at sites where councils report rising unlawful dumping. Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes said drones and long-range cameras will be used to find dumped rubbish and identify those responsible. EPA executive director of operations Rachel Gualano said councils are being encouraged to help, adding that solutions will be tailored to each site. Residents who spot illegal dumping can report it to EPA Victoria.
Illegal dumping is costing Wyndham ratepayers millions, prompting tougher enforcement and calls for better waste services. Some social media users have blamed Indian and South Asian residents, though published enforcement findings do not identify offenders by ethnicity. The Victorian Government has expanded enforcement through the $21.5 million Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce, using drones, long-range cameras and additional officers. Authorities have issued 22 clean-up orders and identified 18 new investigative leads. Residents and advocates continue to debate council services, landlord responsibilities and how the problem should be addressed.
The Victorian government is deploying drones, long-range cameras and extra enforcement officers to target illegal rubbish dumping in four council areas. Hume, Banyule, Melton and Greater Geelong councils will work with the $21.5 million Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce. Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes says the operation will help track down offenders. Businesses can face fines of up to $3.95 million, while individuals face penalties of up to approximately $800,000 or five years' imprisonment, depending on the offence.
Illegal dumping hotspots in Wyndham, targeted by EPA Victoria and the local council, have stayed free of waste two months after a taskforce crackdown. Over two days, inspectors checked skip bin operators and 36 building sites. This led to 22 clean-up and intelligence-gathering notices and 18 leads to help identify offenders. Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said the council cannot tackle illegal dumping alone and valued working with the EPA. EPA operations executive director Rachel Gualano said the crackdown aims to stop people who make and transport waste before it reaches parks and roadsides.
Fake cigarettes made to look like common brands are being produced at industrial scale in south-east Asian warehouses, with some packs carrying Australian health warnings. Customs Minister Julian Hill has urged parliament to pass a new bill quickly, which would give law enforcement stronger powers to detect and disrupt illegal tobacco supply lines. The bill is expected to be debated in the Senate on Thursday. Several states and territories are cracking down on black-market shopfronts. NSW police closed 10 retailers last week, and NSW health inspectors seized 420,000 illegal cigarettes across two days in October.
Former ABC Classic presenter Margaret Throsby says she is lucky to be alive after two teenage riders on an e-bike struck her on a shared path in the Illawarra last month. The 84-year-old broke a femur and a thumb and suffered serious head bleeding. She is now walking with help as she recovers. Neither rider will be charged. Throsby is calling for stricter e-bike laws and enforcement to protect pedestrians and young riders. NSW Transport Minister John Graham says more enforcement operations against illegal e-bikes are planned.
Victoria's taskforce has issued temporary 90-day closure orders on 62 stores linked to organised crime in the first month of its crackdown on illicit tobacco. None of the closures have been in regional Victoria, where the shops remain open. Police and Tobacco Licensing Victoria have also seized over two million illegal cigarettes, more than 40,000 vapes and over $500,000 in cash. Opposition MP Danny O'Brien called the effort too slow and too weak. Taskforce officials say they will visit stores across the state at short notice, including on weekends.
Queensland has received an additional A$2.7 million to combat illicit tobacco, with data showing a 55% increase in legal sales in December 2025. The state's robust enforcement strategy, including large fines and store closures, has led to a significant reduction in illicit tobacco use. Other states, such as Victoria, are now adopting similar tough measures, including increased penalties and a larger enforcement workforce. Experts suggest that reducing the number of tobacco retailers and providing free quitting support could further decrease both illicit tobacco trade and smoking rates.
Victoria has shut 61 stores in four weeks under new laws targeting illicit tobacco sales. Authorities seized millions of illegal cigarettes, 40,000 vapes, 120kg of loose tobacco and $500,000 in cash. The closures apply to businesses alleged to be linked to organised crime, with 90-day closure notices placed on shopfronts. Investigators are focusing on stores tied to crime networks, including offshore syndicates.
