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James Martin

James Martin

The Conversation

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The government has proposed new laws for tackling illegal tobacco, but they likely won’t do much

The legislation, which aims to make it easier to prosecute those involved in the illicit tobacco trade, is more of the same: punitive, but still not...

10.09.2026 10

The Conversation

James Martin

Three things Australia must do to end the tobacco wars

Right now, based on market share, organised crime effectively is Big Tobacco in Australia.

22.07.2026 40

The Conversation

James Martin

Prohibitive policies drove organised crime in Australia 100 years ago. It’s happening again

Where there’s demand, there will be supply, legal or not. From the ‘sly grog’ of the 1920s to the illicit vapes of today, getting regulation...

24.02.2026 40

The Conversation

James Martin

Alleged tobacco kingpin Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad has been arrested in Iraq – what happens next?

The alleged kingpin of Australia’s illicit tobacco trade has been arrested - does this mean the end of the so-called ‘tobacco wars’?

14.01.2026 60

The Conversation

James Martin

If recreational vapes are banned, why are there still vape shops everywhere?

Fuelling these shopfronts is a thriving black market and a flawed policy approach. It’s time for viable, effective solutions.

14.08.2025 40

The Conversation

James Martin