Read articles from Oceania

May 08, 2024 by youtube.com

A new report shows a majority of Australians do not believe the government’s ban on vape products is working. According to the Australian Association of Convenience Stores, 75 per cent of people don’t think the ban is keeping vapes away from children. Organised crime figures are importing an estimated $1 billion of illegal vapes into Australia each year. The figures also show that around eight in ten people believe vapes should be taxed and regulated the same as tobacco. In March earlier this year, the importation of all reusable vapes, regardless of whether it had nicotine, were banned, excluding therapeutic ones supplied by pharmacies.

May 08, 2024 by health.gov.au

Health bodies in Australia support new vaping legislation by the Albanese Government to combat underage vaping and curb Big Tobacco influence. The legislation aims to restrict non-therapeutic vape products and make therapeutic vapes available only with a prescription. Concerns arise from high youth vaping rates and the gateway effect to smoking. Health professionals emphasize the risks of nicotine addiction and stress the need for controlled access to vapes through medical supervision. The government and health practitioners are intensifying efforts to help people quit smoking and vaping, focusing on personalized support and guidance. The united front against vaping targets safeguarding public health, particularly among young Australians.

May 07, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Professor Emily Banks, an advocate for stricter vape regulations, admitted at an Australian senate inquiry that there are no known deaths directly caused by vaping, unlike cigarettes which claim half of all regular smokers globally. She highlighted concerns about nicotine addiction and the targeting of children by vape companies. Banks emphasized that the long-term health effects of vaping, particularly regarding cancer and cardiovascular disease, are still unknown due to its recent emergence. The debate continues on the safety and potential harm reduction of vaping compared to tobacco smoking, given the lack of concrete evidence. Meanwhile, 24,000 Australians die annually from smoking, prompting calls for vaping as a potential cessation aid.

May 03, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

IN MY INTRODUCTORY SPEECH to the Senate Vaping Inquiry on 2 May 2024, I cover two major concerns about Australia’s vaping policy and comment on the blatant misinformation presented to the Inquiry. Ninety percent of vapers have rejected the legal pathway and only a small number of doctors will prescribe nicotine. Supplies are very hard to access through pharmacies. This has predictably created a thriving and dangerous black market controlled by criminal networks selling high nicotine, unregulated products. This has led to escalating violence as criminal gangs compete over market share.

May 03, 2024 by news.com.au

Fruit-flavoured prescription-only nicotine vapes for adults wanting to move away from cigarettes should be made available, manufacturers have told senators, as they throw their support behind new legislation aimed at stamping out the black market. After new laws came into effect in March that banned the importation of unlicensed vapes, the parliament is now considering the next tranche of legislation that would limit access to e-cigarettes to prescription only.

May 03, 2024 by gfn.tv

Colin Mendelsohn, a veteran Australian tobacco harm reduction advocate, recently had the opportunity to educate lawmakers about the science underpinning vaping, the moral panic surrounding nicotine and the consequences of Australia's prohibitionist stance on vaping. In this episode we have collected a series of powerful points that Colin made in his discussion with lawmakers.

May 01, 2024 by theaustralian.com.au

Fruit-flavoured prescription-only nicotine vapes for adults wanting to move away from cigarettes should be made available, manufacturers have told senators, as they throw their support behind new legislation aimed at stamping out the black market. Wilhelm David from From the Fields, which manufactures prescription nicotine vapes, appeared before the senate inquiry considering the legislation on Wednesday, testifying that when used appropriately, the products could help save lives.

April 30, 2024 by theguardian.com

Victoria's illegal tobacco and vape trade involves gangs recruiting youth for criminal acts like arson and extortion, with ties to various crime groups. The rise in illegal tobacco is attributed to high profits and low risks, appealing to organized crime. Despite ongoing issues for a decade, the problem was highlighted in 2023 due to arson attacks. Police efforts have led to arrests and seizures. Authorities aim to introduce a licensing scheme for better enforcement, particularly in regional areas. The government plans to implement a tobacco licensing scheme to tackle the issue.

April 30, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

The Senate Inquiry on Vaping analyzed misleading claims from health organizations and academics. Exaggerated concerns about youth vaping and vaping as a gateway to smoking were debunked. Vaping is seen as a public health opportunity, with benefits for adult smokers outweighing minor harms to youth. The black market thrives due to strict regulations. Misconceptions about vaping risks, reliance on flawed reports, and disentangling vaping from Big Tobacco were addressed. An industry-funded recycling plan could reduce environmental impact. The Committee is urged to scrutinize submissions for accuracy and evidence-based claims. Respected health sources should be questioned if not supported by rigorous analysis.

April 29, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

Experts Dr. James Martin and Mr. Rohan Pike argue that vaping prohibition has failed, resulting in a dangerous black market. They suggest that further restrictions are unlikely to succeed. The black market for vaping products in Australia has grown significantly, attracting organized crime. New Zealand's model, where vapes are sold legally in retail stores, shows little evidence of illicit markets. Law enforcement crackdowns are deemed ineffective due to high demand. Recommendations include establishing a legal, regulated market for vapes to combat the black market and promote public health. Prohibition models have not deterred use effectively, and learning from history is crucial.