The Labor Government has implemented comprehensive anti-vaping legislation that bans all non-therapeutic vapes, making it illegal to import, manufacture, supply, or commercially possess single-use vaping products. This decisive action addresses the alarming increase in youth vaping, with one in six high school students having recently vaped in 2022-23—quadruple the rate from five years ago. The World Health Organization has commended Australia's leadership, with Regional Director Saia Ma'u Piukala calling it "both commendable and inspiring."

Since implementing these reforms on 1 July 2024, enforcement has been robust, with over 7 million vaping products seized, 8,500+ social media posts removed, and more than $2 million in fines issued. The government has committed an additional $107 million for regulation and enforcement, bringing the total investment in anti-tobacco and vaping measures to $737 million.

The comprehensive strategy includes a 5% annual tobacco tax increase for three years, $63 million for public health campaigns, and $264 million for a national lung cancer screening program predicted to prevent over 4,000 deaths. The National Tobacco Strategy aims to reduce daily smoking prevalence to below 10% by 2025 and to 5% or less by 2030.

Key points:

• World-first legislation banning non-therapeutic vapes with penalties up to 7 years jail and $21.9 million

• Over 7 million vapes seized and $2 million in fines issued since July 2024

• $107 million additional funding for enforcement

• $264 million for national lung cancer screening

• Global recognition from WHO for Australia's leadership

  
  

[1] https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/vape-enforcement-crackdown

[2] https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/australias-leadership-on-smoking-and-vaping-commended-by-the-world-health-organization

[3] https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/taking-action-on-smoking-and-vaping

[4] https://www.9news.com.au/national/australia-vaping-legislation-mark-butler/5e8968fe-ec94-4364-954f-2901723ec1be