Read articles from Oceania

April 21, 2026 by wiley.com

Recent scientific research continues to examine patterns of vaping use and their implications for public health. Large-scale international data suggest that while experimentation with e-cigarettes among young people is relatively common, regular or frequent use remains significantly lower. This distinction between occasional and habitual use is increasingly important in shaping how nicotine trends are interpreted. Researchers emphasize that most adolescent vaping appears to be infrequent rather than sustained behavior. At the same time, the findings highlight the need for targeted policies, such as age restrictions and product regulation, to prevent uptake among youth. The study contributes to a broader evidence base informing ongoing debates about vaping, youth behavior, and appropriate regulatory responses.

April 17, 2026 by gfn.tv

One of the world’s leading harm reduction advocates sees disaster unfolding in Australia. Sky-high tobacco taxes and sweeping restrictions on nicotine vaping were meant to reduce harm—but instead, they’ve fueled a booming illicit market, siphoned billions in public revenue, and triggered a wave of violence tied to organized crime. In this GFN Interviews, Dr. Alex Wodak explains how Australia’s approach has veered into “quasi prohibition,” driving demand into the black market and overwhelming enforcement.

April 08, 2026 by scoop.co.nz

Growing controversy is emerging over how recent studies linking vaping to cancer are being reported and interpreted in the media. Advocacy group CAPHRA argues that coverage has amplified alarming conclusions without adequately reflecting scientific uncertainty or the broader context of relative risk. The discussion centres on a high-profile review suggesting that e-cigarettes may be carcinogenic, based largely on laboratory data, animal studies and biomarkers rather than long-term human evidence. CAPHRA emphasises that the key issue is not whether vaping is risk-free, but whether public communication accurately conveys that it is generally considered less harmful than smoking. Concerns are being raised that overstated or decontextualised reporting could mislead the public and discourage smokers from switching to lower-risk alternatives. The debate highlights a broader challenge in public health messaging: balancing precaution with proportional, evidence-based communication as research on newer nicotine products continues to evolve.

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.

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.