Health minister accuses vaping lobby of targeting children after industry ad campaign against ban
February 19, 2024 by theguardian.com
Health minister accuses vaping lobby of targeting children after industry ad campaign against ban
A vaping lobby group funded by tobacco companies is running ads in Australian newspapers opposing vaping reforms. The campaign, Bust the Black Market, aims to regulate e-cigarettes like tobacco and alcohol. Health experts argue the group is misguiding the public by claiming the reforms will benefit criminals selling unregulated products. The Australian Taxpayers Alliance, behind the ads, has ties to tobacco companies and opposes strict regulation. Health Minister Mark Butler counters these claims, stating the need to prevent youth nicotine addiction. The government's plan includes bans on importation and sales without prescription to combat illegal markets.
13.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 15.20% of men are current smokers but only 10.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR