The Expert Exchange: Doctor Colin Mendelsohn

Tobacco harm reduction faces relentless opposition in Australia for ideological and political reasons and is opposed by almost all government organisations, medical associations and health charities. Vaping is framed as a threat rather than an opportunity and there is a moral panic about youth vaping. The scientific evidence is ignored or distorted and that message is amplified by the mainstream media. As a result, Australia’s smoking rates are declining slowly compared to other countries, and this is costing lives.