Read articles from Oceania

January 13, 2026 by abc.net.au

A leading public health expert expressed puzzlement over why Western Australia has fallen behind other states in modernizing its illicit tobacco laws. The expert highlighted the clear rise of illegal tobacco outlets in Perth and regional areas, which has increased pressure on authorities to respond. Research has shown that this trade is closely connected to organized crime networks across the country. While other states have implemented stronger, updated legislation to tackle the issue, in WA the responsibility falls on the Health Department to inspect and sanction shops under the Tobacco Control Act 2006. This approach has left the state lagging in enforcement compared with the rest of the nation.

December 19, 2025 by afr.com

Illegal tobacco has significantly reduced Australia's tobacco excise tax revenue, with projections showing a $22.3 billion decline by 2028. A former Australian Border Force officer warns that tax collection from tobacco could be minimal due to the impact of illegal tobacco trade.

December 12, 2025 by 1news.co.nz

Over half of cigarettes bought in Australia are from the black market, costing taxpayers up to AU$11.8 billion yearly and impacting public health and safety. The illicit tobacco trade undermines efforts to reduce smoking rates, with the black market share estimated at 55-60%. The high excise rates led to this surge, with legitimate packs now over AU$40 while illicit packs go for less than AU$15. Lowering excise rates could increase revenue but risks health consequences, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement. Shuhyta advocates against excise reduction, urging smokers to choose legal options to combat the illicit market and its associated risks.

December 10, 2025 by theconversation.com

The New Zealand government failed to achieve the smokefree goal, with 6.8% of adults smoking daily. Tobacco remains available with disparities, especially among Māori smokers at 15%. Vaping is popular among youth, with 13.6% of 15-17-year-olds vaping daily, raising addiction concerns. Oral nicotine pouches are proposed, but health officials doubt their effectiveness as cessation aids and warn of health risks, addiction, and youth appeal. Introduction of such products may worsen nicotine addiction issues, contradicting public health goals. Evidence is lacking on their benefits, safety, and impact on youth. The government’s focus should be on reducing smoking and addiction, not introducing potentially harmful alternatives.

December 04, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello was questioned about the government's plan to permit oral nicotine products, despite denying ties to the tobacco industry. Costello emphasized harm reduction and safety precautions to prevent youth access. Labour's Dr. Ayesha Verrall cautioned against potential new addictions in youths, urging Costello to follow expert advice before introducing the products. Public health researcher Dr. Jude Ball highlighted the lack of evidence supporting oral nicotine products for smoking cessation and warned about tobacco companies promoting youth consumption. Costello is still reviewing recommendations on the matter.

December 03, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello faced criticism over government plans to introduce oral tobacco and nicotine products, amidst concerns of big tobacco influence. Costello emphasized the importance of achieving Smokefree 2025 goals, focusing on harm reduction strategies like e-cigarettes. Labour's Dr. Ayesha Verrall questioned the introduction of new nicotine forms, raising concerns about youth addiction. Costello highlighted the need for regulatory control and options for older smokers struggling to quit. ACT's Cameron Luxton highlighted issues in Australia's tobacco regulations. Public health expert Dr. Jude Ball cautioned against introducing more addictive products, citing marketing to youth by tobacco companies. Legislation to reduce nicotine in cigarettes was discussed as a potential solution.

December 02, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Youth vaping in New Zealand has drastically decreased, halving in two years. The ASH Year 10 Snapshot Survey found that regular use among 14 to 15-year-olds dropped significantly, attributed to targeted regulations instead of bans. While daily vaping fell, smoking among teens is nearly eliminated. NZ's harm-reduction strategy focuses on curtailing youth access while aiding smokers to quit. Despite progress, Māori youth vaping rates are high, requiring specific support. This success model is being watched globally, with policymakers interested in New Zealand's approach of reducing harm without prohibiting alternatives.

December 01, 2025 by scoop.co.nz

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) condemns the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Secretariat for permitting Bloomberg-funded prohibitionist NGOs to dictate policy narratives at COP11, directly contradicting the treaty's foundational principles. The "Dirty Ashtray Award" presented to New Zealand exposes a fundamental corruption of the FCTC process. The Secretariat has allowed ideologically-driven NGOs to write unaccountable rules, then shame countries refusing compliance with a prohibitionist script disconnected from real-world health outcomes. This has nothing to do with saving lives. It is about control.

November 28, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

New Zealand is struggling to meet its Smokefree 2025 target as smoking rates decline unevenly among different demographics. Despite progress, deep inequities persist, particularly affecting Māori and Pasifika populations. Political changes and the repeal of key tobacco control measures have hindered achieving the goal. Experts suggest shifting the aim to Smokefree 2030 and expanding regulations to include nicotine-free products. However, government policies are not keeping pace with new, addictive tobacco industry products targeting youth. Maintaining the focus on reducing smoking rates, reinstating scrapped measures, and implementing stricter regulations are crucial steps towards a smoke-free future.

November 19, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

New Zealand received the 'Dirty Ashtray' award at a tobacco control meeting, criticized for reversing reforms, high vaping rates among youth, and industry interference. Once a leader, NZ now faces international shame and fell to 53rd on the Tobacco Industry Interference Index. Experts warn that repealing tobacco control measures could hinder smoking prevalence reduction.