The Government Has Announced A Harsher Crackdown On Vaping

The goal is to reduce addiction in young Aussies.

The federal government is considering a harsher crackdown on accessing e-cigarettes, especially for young people.

Rates of teenage vaping have soared in recent years, and teens as young as 13 have called Quitline to manage their nicotine addictions.

Currently, it is illegal in Australia to sell, supply or possess e-cigarettes or nicotine fluid without a prescription – but that hasn’t stopped the vape trade.

It’s become commonplace in Australia for vaping products that contain the addictive nicotine to be labelled as “nicotine free”, which has led to children using the products and getting addicted.

The crackdown was announced yesterday as Australia marked 10 years since the introduction of plain-packaging for cigarettes, and federal minister for health Mark Butler said vaping is an issue the government needs to address.

To combat the issue, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Australian drug regulator, has announced a public consultation into vaping in four key areas:

• Border controls and stopping the import of vaping products.
• Heavier assessment of vaping products before they hit the market.
• Strengthening product standards.
• Making it more clear which products contain nicotine.

Mark Butler said Australia has lacked a proper response to the growing epidemic.

“The former government was asleep at the wheel as rates of vaping skyrocketed,” he said.

“Principals of primary and high school students are continually telling me and my colleagues vaping is their biggest behavioural challenge that they face in their schools.”

The consultation is open for public comment now.

As well as the consultation, Butler has also announced a ban on menthol cigarettes alongside other cigarette flavourings.

This is in attempt to stop people choosing ‘alternative choices’ that claim to be less impactful, and curb health issues like cancer.

Health officials are already calling this a big step for protecting children’s health in Australia.

If you’re experiencing issues with nicotine addiction, you can call Quitline on 13 QUIT.