Read articles from Oceania

October 03, 2025 by gfn.tv

Australia’s vape prohibition is fueling a booming illicit market—while New Zealand’s regulated approach sees smoking rates fall faster. In this GFN 2025 conversation, Fiona Patten speaks with Rohan Pike and Asa Saligupta about what’s broken in tobacco control, what actually works in harm reduction.

September 26, 2025 by tga.gov.au

A two-day blitz on Chapel Street retailers by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Victoria Police resulted in the seizure of over $40,000 worth of illegal vaping products and more than 24,000 nicotine pouches. Police also confiscated 110,000 illicit cigarettes, 40 kg of loose tobacco, and cash. The crackdown, part of the National Vaping Enforcement Framework, aims to combat the illegal supply of vaping goods and disrupt organised crime. The TGA emphasised the importance of protecting young people’s health, while Victoria Police highlighted that illicit tobacco profits often fund violent crimes such as arson, firearms use, and extortion.

September 26, 2025 by tga.gov.au

A two-day blitz on Chapel Street retailers by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Victoria Police resulted in the seizure of over $40,000 worth of illegal vaping products and more than 24,000 nicotine pouches. Police also confiscated 110,000 illicit cigarettes, 40 kg of loose tobacco, and cash. The crackdown, part of the National Vaping Enforcement Framework, aims to combat the illegal supply of vaping goods and disrupt organised crime. The TGA emphasised the importance of protecting young people’s health, while Victoria Police highlighted that illicit tobacco profits often fund violent crimes such as arson, firearms use, and extortion.

September 26, 2025 by tga.gov.au

A two-day blitz on Chapel Street retailers by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Victoria Police resulted in the seizure of over $40,000 worth of illegal vaping products and more than 24,000 nicotine pouches. Police also confiscated 110,000 illicit cigarettes, 40 kg of loose tobacco, and cash. The crackdown, part of the National Vaping Enforcement Framework, aims to combat the illegal supply of vaping goods and disrupt organised crime. The TGA emphasised the importance of protecting young people’s health, while Victoria Police highlighted that illicit tobacco profits often fund violent crimes such as arson, firearms use, and extortion.

September 11, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

Changes to warning labels for tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol are under review by David Seymour's Ministry for Regulation. Public health groups expressed concerns, but Seymour indicated no plans to exclude these products. He mentioned the potential for altering label designs, citing an example of the color red used for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder warnings. Seymour acknowledged cost implications for businesses complying with label requirements. Health advocates stressed the importance of existing warning labels, especially for tobacco and nicotine products. The Ministry is gathering industry feedback through surveys. Concerns were raised about potentially reducing the effectiveness of warning labels on harmful products.

September 03, 2025 by citynews.com.au

The black market for cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes in Australia is growing and leading to violence. Despite high cigarette prices, illegal supplies are popular, with a significant black market presence. Vaping restrictions have not been successful, prompting increased vaping black market activities. The high cigarette excise has unintended negative consequences, with estimates of a $10 billion annual revenue loss for the government. New Zealand's successful approach to promoting safer nicotine options over cigarettes highlights Australia's failure in tobacco and vaping policies. Suggestions include reducing cigarette excise and increasing availability of safer nicotine products. The tobacco industry is shifting towards smoke-free products, which are becoming more profitable. Australia should consider following NZ's lead in tobacco harm reduction policies to combat the black market.

September 03, 2025 by vocal.media

Australia’s tobacco industry is shifting as more consumers turn to e-cigarettes. The e-cigarette market, valued at US$ 572.1 million in 2024, is projected to reach US$ 1,479.6 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.1%. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid containing nicotine and flavorings, simulating smoking without burning tobacco, thus avoiding tar and many harmful chemicals found in conventional cigarettes.

August 28, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

Urgent regulatory action on vaping, particularly targeting device designs, is advised by Dr. Robin Quigg of University of Otago due to her research showing vaping's normalization among young Māori. The discreetness of devices encourages use in public places, driven by nicotine addiction. Quigg recommends stricter regulations, such as larger device sizes, therapeutic designs, and less appealing flavors. While these measures may help, additional steps are needed to reduce vaping's allure to young individuals, beyond device regulation according to the study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

August 28, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

Research by Dr. Robin Quigg from the University of Otago highlights how the discreet design of vaping devices allows young Māori to vape in prohibited areas, leading to normalization of vaping and nicotine addiction. The study emphasizes the urgent need for tighter regulations on vape device design, advocating for larger sizes, therapeutic designs, and less appealing odors. Despite many marae offering designated vaping areas, some sacred places like marae and wharenui are being disrespected. Quigg stresses the importance of implementing stricter regulations to curb the allure of vaping among young people in New Zealand.

August 27, 2025 by 9news.com.au

Australia's TGA approved Nicorette QuickMist as the first treatment for nicotine vaping addiction. About 1.7 million Australians vape, but many plan to quit. The product reduces withdrawal symptoms by delivering small nicotine doses. Clinical trials showed positive results, prompting TGA approval. Kenvue's Nadine Saraceno welcomed the decision and believes it will help many overcome their addiction.