Read articles from Oceania

April 10, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

Reducing smoking in low-income households is crucial due to health and financial strains, according to University of Queensland research. Tobacco tax hikes have helped lower smoking rates, but those who continue face financial challenges. Additional measures like free cessation support and limiting tobacco availability are recommended. While Australia's taxation strategies have been successful, comprehensive approaches involving both price and non-price measures are needed to achieve the goal of less than 5% smoking prevalence by 2030. Reinvesting tax revenue into cessation support and welfare programs for disadvantaged populations is also suggested. The study analyzed household tobacco spending from 2006 to 2022, showing a decrease in expenditure due to increased prices.

April 09, 2025 by citynews.com.au

Low-income individuals in Australia are disproportionately affected by smoking, with more smokers and higher daily cigarette consumption. The high cost of cigarettes, driven by a 282% tax increase since 2013, has led to a thriving black market, resulting in a significant loss of government revenue. Despite efforts to curb illegal sales, the problem persists, similar to drug enforcement challenges. Advocate for lower cigarette taxes to address the issue face opposition from health officials. Transitioning to safer alternatives like vaping could be a solution, as seen in New Zealand. The current Australian government's stringent tobacco policies disproportionately harm the less privileged, potentially impacting their electoral support.

April 09, 2025 by citynews.com.au

Low-income individuals in Australia are disproportionately affected by smoking, with more smokers and higher daily cigarette consumption. The high cost of cigarettes, driven by a 282% tax increase since 2013, has led to a thriving black market, resulting in a significant loss of government revenue. Despite efforts to curb illegal sales, the problem persists, similar to drug enforcement challenges. Advocate for lower cigarette taxes to address the issue face opposition from health officials. Transitioning to safer alternatives like vaping could be a solution, as seen in New Zealand. The current Australian government's stringent tobacco policies disproportionately harm the less privileged, potentially impacting their electoral support.

April 08, 2025 by aliveadvocacymovement.com

The Australian pharmacy-only vaping model is failing, with 75% of pharmacies not stocking vaping products. The government's restrictive approach has led to limited product availability, half of which are supplied by Big Tobacco. Critics argue that pharmacies are uninterested due to paperwork and reputation concerns. Advocates call for reform to allow licensed vape retailers to meet demand. As legal access declines, a dangerous black market is emerging. Vapers report confusion and disinterest from pharmacies, highlighting the model's flaws. The ALIVE Advocacy Movement urges immediate change to prevent further harm and reliance on illegal sources.

April 07, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

Researchers in New Zealand are investigating the long-term health effects of vaping, especially among youth who are increasingly using e-cigarettes. Concerns about the impact on respiratory health and potential diseases are growing, as vaping is relatively new compared to smoking. Studies have found various chemicals and heavy metals in vape aerosols, raising safety questions. Efforts to address vaping addiction include proposing plain, tobacco-flavored vapes to reduce the appeal to young users. New Zealand's upcoming regulations will ban disposable vapes and limit displays in stores, aligning with research efforts to understand the health implications of vaping.

April 02, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

Australia implemented new cigarette packaging laws on April 1, requiring health warnings on each cigarette. Canada is the only other country with similar regulations. The laws also introduced 10 graphic health warnings and inserts promoting smoking cessation. Cancer Council's Sarah Durkin noted the warnings initially raised awareness but effectiveness declined over time. New warnings address lesser-known risks like diabetes and DNA damage from smoking, as well as secondhand smoke effects on children's lung capacity.

April 01, 2025 by dailymail.co.uk

Australia implements starker warnings on cigarette packets and individual cigarettes, following Canada's example, aiming to reduce smoking rates. Changes include banning menthol cigarettes, introducing graphic health warnings, and health promotion inserts to raise awareness about lesser-known smoking-related health risks. The initiative, also aimed at curbing the black market, includes messages like 'CAUSES 16 CANCERS' on individual cigarettes. The government's budget reflects a projected decrease in tobacco excise revenues due to anticipated shifts towards illicit tobacco or vapes, prompting increased funding for enforcement.

April 01, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

Tobacco excise tax in New Zealand has increased over the years, leading to a rise in prices and a decline in legal consumption. Revenue dropped while seizures of illegal cigarettes at the border increased. High prices may be driving consumers to the black market. Vaping is seen as a more accessible and affordable alternative. Tax has been effective in reducing smoking rates but is becoming burdensome for low-income households. Strategies to make safer alternatives like vaping more affordable are crucial. The impact of high taxes on the smoking population and illicit tobacco consumption needs continued evaluation to balance public health goals with social consequences.

March 25, 2025 by 9news.com.au

Although illegal in Australia, nicotine pouches remain popular among young Australians, leading to recent seizures by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Marketed as a cleaner alternative to smoking, these pouches contain nicotine and flavors but lack tobacco. Safety concerns arise from inconsistent nicotine levels and unregulated ingredients. Side effects include addiction, mouth issues, and potential harm to brain development. While banned for sale, some individuals import them with a prescription. Nicotine pouches' efficacy as a smoking cessation aid is inconclusive compared to other nicotine replacement therapies. More research is needed to assess their safety and effectiveness.

March 21, 2025 by theconversation.com

E-cigarette companies like British American Tobacco lobbied to loosen vape regulations in NZ and Australia. They argue vaping is replacing smoking based on a 2020 study. However, a new study found vaping slowed the decline in youth smoking rates since 2010. The 2020 study didn't consider this and influenced policy decisions. Research suggests vaping may lead to smoking uptake in NZ adolescents, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies addressing both vaping and smoking. Policymakers globally should be cautious of unintended consequences on youth when crafting regulations around vaping products for adults.