Read articles from Oceania

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.

April 22, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

The UK's proposed generational smoking ban aims to raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes, though concerns exist about effectiveness and potential fueling of black market sales. Australia must address the stagnant smoking rates among adults while considering innovative solutions like vaping as a safer alternative. Focus should shift towards helping older smokers quit, where vaping has shown promise, rather than solely targeting youth uptake. Prioritizing solutions for stubbornly addicted adult smokers is crucial for public health efforts. Enabling access to safer alternatives could lead to longer and healthier lives, outweighing the emphasis on generational smoking bans.

April 22, 2024 by mja.com.au

Repealing the Smokefree Act in Aotearoa New Zealand benefits the government by preserving tobacco excise revenue but also favors the tobacco industry. Despite strong opposition, the government repealed the Act, jeopardizing efforts to reduce smoking rates and health inequalities. The legislation aimed to create a tobacco-free generation through denicotinisation, limiting tobacco retailers, and banning cigarette sales to those born after 2008. Repealing the Act is criticized for prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term public health benefits, disproportionately affecting Māori. The decision has been condemned as harmful to public health progress and economic well-being. Leaders emphasize the significance of ambitious tobacco policies for health, economic gains, and equity.