GFN.TV Interviews #86 | POLICY COLLAPSE | Vape Bans and Australia’s Illicit Tobacco Crisis
April 17, 2026 by gfn.tv
GFN.TV Interviews #86 | POLICY COLLAPSE | Vape Bans and Australia’s Illicit Tobacco Crisis
One of the world’s leading harm reduction advocates sees disaster unfolding in Australia. Sky-high tobacco taxes and sweeping restrictions on nicotine vaping were meant to reduce harm—but instead, they’ve fueled a booming illicit market, siphoned billions in public revenue, and triggered a wave of violence tied to organized crime. In this GFN Interviews, Dr. Alex Wodak explains how Australia’s approach has veered into “quasi prohibition,” driving demand into the black market and overwhelming enforcement.
11.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.4 million current smokers in Australia 12.90% of men are current smokers but only 9.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
