In the largest anti-tobacco campaign in more than a decade, Australia announced on Tuesday that it will outlaw recreational vaping and tighten other e-cigarette regulations in an effort to curtail the alarming rise in teen vaping.
Mark Butler, the Health Minister, in a speech at the National Press Club, said, “Just like they did with smoking, Big Tobacco has taken another addictive product, wrapped it in shiny packaging and added flavours to create a new generation of nicotine addicts.”
The government wants to outlaw all disposable vapes—which frequently have fruity flavours—ban non-prescription vape imports, regulate nicotine levels, and restrict sales of vapes to those who want to stop smoking. To enforce this, Butler said that the tobacco tax will increase by 5% annually beginning in September, for a total increase of 3.3 billion Australian dollars ($2.2 billion) over the course of four years. This comes after a AU$234 million (US$157 million) hike for stricter regulation of e-cigarettes, including new import and packaging limits.
Vaping involves heating a liquid containing nicotine in an electronic cigarette to create a vapour that users inhale. It is largely regarded as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes and helpful for aiding smokers in quitting. However, research has indicated that the addictive nature of e-cigarettes may cause long-term harm.
“This is a product targeted at our kids, sold alongside lollies and chocolate bars,” Butler said.
“Vaping has become the No. 1 behavioural issue in high schools, and it’s becoming widespread in primary schools as well. This must end.”
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
Follow us on:
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has named Rachel de Oliveira Conceicao as its legal…
In a surprising turn during the Edo state governorship election, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party…
The Governor of Ondo state, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has vowed to transform the state into…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of voting time in areas…
Usher paid tribute to the male role models in his life at the 2024 Black…
The EFCC has arrested three suspects for alleged vote buying during the ongoing Edo governorship…