{
  "id": 18584276,
  "title": "Victoria's Liberals unveil plan designed to end tobacco wars",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/victorias-liberals-unveil-plan-designed-to-end-tobacco-wars",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T22:25:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-07/victorian-liberals-unveil-plan-designed-to-end-tobacco-wars/107358958"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Victorian opposition has unveiled a plan to combat the illicit tobacco trade, which has been linked to a series of firebombings across the state. The party intends to extend the duration of short-term closure orders from 90 days to 150 days. Businesses found to be selling illegal tobacco may also face lease termination without compensation. Opposition leader Jess Wilson stated that the previous Labor government's measures have failed to curb the illicit tobacco trade, which surged under their rule. The opposition plans to implement stronger closure provisions akin to those in South Australia if they win the upcoming election. Additional measures include prohibiting ATMs at retailers selling illicit tobacco without a license, allowing authorities to seize all tobacco and e-cigarette products during inspections, and classifying the sale of illegal tobacco as a specific offense under proposed RICO laws. In September, new laws were enacted granting inspectors and police the authority to close businesses selling illegal tobacco products.",
  "summary": "The Victorian opposition, led by Jess Wilson, is promising to extend the period shops can be shut down if they are found selling illegal tobacco.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}