Australia's vaping crisis laid bare as e-cigarette policy firms as looming election battle

Kellyanne Conway's use of "alternative facts" echoes Australia's current vaping crisis. Despite evidence showing failure in the prescription model and ban, young Australians increasingly access vapes illegally. Organized crime profits from a $4 billion industry, impacting 1.5 million vapers. Proposed excise taxes could raise $9-12 billion, potentially curbing addiction and black market sales. Political leaders, like Nationals Leader David Littleproud, are reconsidering policies to address the epidemic. Public opinion favors taxing and regulating vapes like tobacco. Lobbyists suggest redirecting tax revenue to education and law enforcement. The Greens and Coalition are reviewing their stances, aiming to protect children from addiction amid widespread illegal vape availability.