Read articles from Australia

March 23, 2026 by youtube.com

I discuss Australia's approach to e-cigarettes, which essentially limits them to prescription-only. I give 5 reasons why this is a problematic approach; how this overly restrictive regulation has created a violent illicit market; and compare how Australia has fared vs. New Zealand which embraces harm reduction with e-cigarettes.

March 23, 2026 by scoop.co.nz

CAPHRA warns that New Zealand could repeat Australia’s illicit tobacco crisis if it relies too much on restrictions, high prices, and enforcement. The concern follows reports that tobacco smuggling in New Zealand is becoming more organised and large-scale. Officials fear this could lead to gang-related violence similar to what has been seen in Australia. CAPHRA’s Executive Coordinator, Nancy Loucas, emphasized that Australia should be seen as a warning rather than a model. She argued that limiting access to safer nicotine alternatives can push consumers toward illegal markets controlled by criminal networks.

March 19, 2026 by abc.net.au

Australia is introducing stricter laws to combat the rapidly growing black market for illegal cigarettes and vaping products. The government is responding to concerns that organised crime groups are increasingly profiting from illicit tobacco sales, which have become widespread across the country. New measures are expected to strengthen enforcement powers, increase penalties, and better target illegal supply chains and retailers involved in the trade. Authorities argue that existing regulations have not been sufficient to curb the problem, as demand for nicotine products continues to fuel underground markets. Overall, the reforms aim to reduce criminal activity, protect public health, and regain control over the legal tobacco and vaping market.

February 25, 2026 by theconversation.com

Organised crime in Australia, spanning decades, thrives on illegal markets. Historically, prohibition and stringent regulations drive criminal enterprises, like 1920s razor gangs or recent tobacco wars. Despite efforts to curb illicit activities, escalating enforcement hasn't deterred the trade. Today, illicit drug markets cost billions, with drugs like nicotine rapidly growing. Outcomes mirror past failures when suppressing gambling, drugs, and sex work, reinforcing criminal control. Adjusting regulations, as seen in cannabis decriminalization proposals, can reduce organized crime impact and enhance public safety. Balancing control and legality can combat criminal influence and protect consumers, ultimately weakening organized crime's financial incentives and reducing violence in society.

February 17, 2026 by nytimes.com

Australia has the most expensive cigarettes in the world, a pack of midmarket cigarettes costing on average about 55 Australian dollars, or almost $40, nearly double what it will set you back in New York City. A series of steep tax hikes — eight in 10 years — were put in place to reduce the rate of smoking, which has steadily declined. But the high prices have also given rise to a thriving black market now estimated to be a multibillion-dollar industry that accounts for as much as half of all tobacco sales in the country.

February 17, 2026 by nytimes.com

Australia has the most expensive cigarettes in the world, a pack of midmarket cigarettes costing on average about 55 Australian dollars, or almost $40, nearly double what it will set you back in New York City. A series of steep tax hikes — eight in 10 years — were put in place to reduce the rate of smoking, which has steadily declined. But the high prices have also given rise to a thriving black market now estimated to be a multibillion-dollar industry that accounts for as much as half of all tobacco sales in the country.

February 09, 2026 by skynews.com.au

Victorian Liberal MP Mary Aldred has rebuked the federal government for not engaging law enforcement to tackle the “serious problem” of illicit tobacco across the country - which is costing Australia billions. In recent months, the Albanese government has faced mounting pressure over the “staggering” level of black market tobacco and e-cigarette trading in Australia, which has boomed as a result of Labor’s excise settings.

February 09, 2026 by skynews.com.au

Victorian Liberal MP Mary Aldred has rebuked the federal government for not engaging law enforcement to tackle the “serious problem” of illicit tobacco across the country - which is costing Australia billions. In recent months, the Albanese government has faced mounting pressure over the “staggering” level of black market tobacco and e-cigarette trading in Australia, which has boomed as a result of Labor’s excise settings.

February 09, 2026 by harmreductionaustralia.org.au

See HRA’s new Tobacco Harm Reduction Policy Brief to understand why Australia should urgently reform its current tobacco control strategy to an evidenced-based harm reduction approach including reducing tobacco excise, establishing a legal, regulated market for lower risk nicotine products and, shifting investment from enforcement to regulation…

February 03, 2026 by mja.com.au

Vaping has shown promise as a smoking cessation aid, especially for individuals with socio-economic hardships. A clinical trial in Australia compared vaping with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation among low-SES individuals. Results showed participants using vaping devices were three times more likely to achieve continuous abstinence compared to NRT. Vaping was also associated with fewer adverse events. Challenges include long-term vaping risks and limited access to authorized vapes in pharmacies. While vaping can assist in quitting smoking, it is not a guaranteed solution, and relapses are common. Australia's strict regulations aim to tackle illicit vaping and smoking markets. Ongoing research and support are needed to maximize the potential of vaping as a smoking cessation tool.