Read articles from Oceania

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.

August 26, 2025 by thr101.org

A new study published in Health Expectations is providing important insight into smoking cessation among people diagnosed with mental illness. The researchers set out to explore how individuals with mental health conditions experience tobacco use and quitting, why they smoke, what motivates them to stop, and what forms of support they find helpful or lacking. Using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 adults in Queensland – all of whom had a mental health diagnosis and at least one quit attempt in the past five years – the study highlights the complex interplay between tobacco use, mental health, and recovery.

August 26, 2025 by thr101.org

A new study published in Health Expectations is providing important insight into smoking cessation among people diagnosed with mental illness. The researchers set out to explore how individuals with mental health conditions experience tobacco use and quitting, why they smoke, what motivates them to stop, and what forms of support they find helpful or lacking. Using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 adults in Queensland – all of whom had a mental health diagnosis and at least one quit attempt in the past five years – the study highlights the complex interplay between tobacco use, mental health, and recovery.

August 25, 2025 by johnmenadue.com

Australia has the world's priciest cigarettes due to a 340% excise increase over 20 years. However, this led to a rise in illegal cigarette consumption. Economist Chris Richardson estimates a yearly $10 billion loss in government revenue. Vaping restrictions and high tobacco prices fuel a violent black market, contrasting with New Zealand's successful vape policies. Political parties overlook this issue while tobacco companies shift to safer products. Australia debates harm reduction, lacking evidence against vaping's benefits. Following New Zealand's lead could curb the black market.

August 20, 2025 by miragenews.com

Australia's tough anti-vaping laws face international challenges, per a UTS-Monash University paper. Health risks from vaping, especially among youth, prompt restrictions. With a history of industry litigations, policy decisions must align with global trade rules. Proving public health benefits is crucial to weather potential legal challenges. Transparency and ongoing justification are key. Australia must defend its laws before the WTO and set a precedent like the tobacco plain packaging. Researchers advocate for evidence-based justifications to uphold regulations. Success in reducing vaping harms could pave the way for global policy standards and protect public health internationally.

July 30, 2025 by abc.net.au

Smoking rates in Australia have reached historic lows, with fewer than 10% of people smoking nationally in 2022–23. However, in Western Australia's remote Kimberley region, about one in three people still smoke regularly. Broome resident Spencer Lim Joon, who quit last year after 40 years of smoking, shared how family health struggles and witnessing the fatal effects of smoking motivated him to stop.

July 30, 2025 by crikey.com.au

Alarming Roy Morgan data reveals rising smoking and vaping rates in Australia post-2024 vaping crackdown. Excessive regulations and high taxes on tobacco have backfired, fueling a dangerous black market. Illicit tobacco and vapes are widely available, leading to criminal activities and endangering communities. Australia's punitive measures have failed to curb illegal trade, contrasting with successful harm reduction policies in countries like New Zealand. Urgent reform is needed to establish a regulated market for safer nicotine products, reduce tobacco excise, and involve consumers in policymaking. Embracing harm reduction can accelerate the decline in smoking rates and combat the growing black market, safeguarding public health and reducing crime.

July 28, 2025 by cityhub.com.au

The unsafe handling of medical cannabis prescriptions by Australian doctors, notably the Montu Group, has raised concerns due to dispensing 72,000 prescriptions to over 10,000 patients in two years. Allegations of unethical practices and aggressive telehealth appointments have led to industry calls for stricter regulations. Despite denial and claims of inaccurate figures, Montu faces scrutiny over potential profiteering and unethical prescription practices. The Health Minister is pushing for improved standards in cannabis prescriptions. Additionally, concerns over misleading advertising and patient vulnerability have emerged. Legal actions are being pursued against Montu for illegal advertising, while the company faces unfair dismissal claims. Government investigations aim to enhance regulations in the medical cannabis industry.

July 21, 2025 by westernstandard.news

A new Australian clinical trial shows that vaping flavored nicotine liquids is significantly more effective for quitting smoking than traditional nicotine gum or lozenges. Reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine on July 14, the study found that smokers using vaping devices were three times more likely to quit after six months. Over 1,000 government-assisted Australians took part, all of whom wanted to quit. Participants were randomly assigned to use either vaping or traditional nicotine replacement therapy.