The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Albanese government launches war on vaping, declaring it the 'number-one behavioural issue in high schools'

  • Written by Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
Albanese government launches war on vaping, declaring it the 'number-one behavioural issue in high schools'

The federal government is declaring war on vaping, announcing measures to stamp out its recreational use – especially among the young – including by stronger legislation and enforcement action.

In a tough message to be delivered on Tuesday, Health Minister Mark Butler declares: “Vaping has become the number one behavioural issue in high schools. And it’s becoming widespread in primary schools.”

The government will work with the states and territories to clamp down on the increasing black market in vaping, including to stop the illegal import of non-prescription vapes.

The minimum quality standards for prescription vapes will be increased, with restrictions on flavours and colours.

Prescription vapes will have to come in “pharmacy-like packaging” (following the example of plain packaging for cigarettes). The permissible nicotine concentrations and volumes will be reduced, and single-use, disposable vapes will be banned.

The governments will work with other jurisdictions to shut down the sale of vapes, ending sales at convenience stores and other retailers. But it will also make it easier for people to get a prescription for legitimate therapeutic use.

Read more: How bad is vaping and should it be banned?[1]

Next week’s budget will provide $234 million to address smoking and vaping.

In an extract released ahead of delivery of his National Press Club speech, Butler warns the gains made in the fight against smoking “could be undone by a new threat to public health”.

“Vaping was sold to governments and communities around the world as a therapeutic product to help long-term smokers quit,” Butler says.

“It was not sold as a recreational product - especially not one for our kids. But that is what it has become: the biggest loophole in Australian history.

"One in six teenagers aged 14-17 has vaped. One in four people aged 18-24 has vaped.

"By contrast, only one in 70 people my age has vaped.”

Read more: From October, it will be all but impossible for most Australians to vape — largely because of Canberra's little-known 'homework police'[2]

“And when more than a thousand teenagers aged 15 to 17 were asked where they could get vapes, four out of five of them said they found it easy or somewhat easy to buy them in retail stores.

"This is a product targeted at our kids, sold alongside lollies and chocolate bars,” Butler says.

“Over the past 12 months, Victoria’s poisons hotline has taken 50 calls about children under four becoming sick from ingesting or using a vape.”

Butler says that just as with smoking, “Big Tobacco has taken another addictive product, wrapped it in shiny packaging and added flavours to create a new generation of nicotine addicts.

"Vapers are three times as likely to take up smoking, which explains why under 25s are the only cohort in the community currently recording an increase in smoking rates. "This must end,” Butler says.

Read more: Everyone's NOT doing it: how schools, parents should talk about vaping[3]

The budget money includes $63 million for a public health campaign to discourage people taking up smoking and vaping and encourage quitting. Some $30 million will be put into support programs to help people quit, and into education and training for health professionals.

Another $140 million will go to the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program, including widening it to tackle vaping.

Read more https://theconversation.com/albanese-government-launches-war-on-vaping-declaring-it-the-number-one-behavioural-issue-in-high-schools-204760

Times Magazine

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

The Times Features

Great Barrier Reef operator Passions of Paradise

A series of sustainability firsts and a commitment to global best practice standards for more than 20 years has earned Cairns-based Great Barrier Reef operator Passions of Para...

5 Questions to Ask Before Getting Blepharoplasty in Gold Coast

(Source) Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, removes extra skin or fat from around the eyes. It’s often done for cosmetic reasons, but it can also help with vision if sagging eye...

How Smart Home Integration is Enhancing SIL Accommodation in 2025

(Source) The concept of "home" is intensely personal, a sanctuary where we experience security, comfort, and a sense of being in control. For people living with disability, acco...

How to Know If You’re Actually on Track for a Comfortable Retirement

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik It’s the kind of question that sits in the back of your mind, especially as you tick past your 30s or 40s: Am I actually saving enough for retire...

Onsite Caterer vs a Full Service Venue: 9 important things to explore

Choosing between an external catering company and an all-inclusive venue is a major decision that affects cost, flexibility, food quality, and the overall event experience. Venue...

The Hidden Vision Problem Impacting Mid Life Australians Every Day

New research from Specsavers reveals millions of Australians are living with an undiagnosed condition that could be putting their safety at risk. For many Australians aged 35 ...