Read articles from Oceania

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 04, 2026 by waateanews.com

Medsafe approved Aotearoa's first medically endorsed quit-vaping product, recognizing vaping addiction as a health issue. The product targets high-frequency nicotine exposure associated with vaping and facilitates controlled nicotine reduction. The Foundation highlights accessibility concerns, urging wider availability and affordability, especially for youth. They emphasize the product as part of a holistic approach to public health, underscoring the need for education, regulation, and prevention.

February 04, 2026 by waateanews.com

Medsafe approved Aotearoa's first medically endorsed quit-vaping product, recognizing vaping addiction as a health issue. The product targets high-frequency nicotine exposure associated with vaping and facilitates controlled nicotine reduction. The Foundation highlights accessibility concerns, urging wider availability and affordability, especially for youth. They emphasize the product as part of a holistic approach to public health, underscoring the need for education, regulation, and prevention.

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.

February 02, 2026 by bloomberg.com

The chain-smoking protagonist of Mad Men should be far removed from the life of a modern young Australian — particularly when it comes to tobacco. Australia has been a global leader in anti-smoking policy. Cigarettes there are among the most expensive in the world and are sold in plain packaging plastered with graphic health warnings. Yet just as authorities believed they were winning the battle against smoking, experts say the country is facing a new tobacco crisis. While overall smoking rates continue to fall, research shows progress in reducing teen smoking has slowed — likely due to vaping, which researchers say can act as a gateway to cigarettes.