Health Minister Mark Butler has urged Australians to “quit vaping” as the government enacts new laws banning the importing of disposable vapes in Australia. The law comes into force coinciding with the start of the new year. The government has also introduced a limited exemption for international travelers into Australia who are carrying a small quantity of vapes for treatment.
Under the new vaping reforms, vapes that have been imported into Australia before Jan. 1 can continue to be lawfully supplied until they run out. However, doctors and nurses will be able to prescribe therapeutic vaping products where “clinically appropriate” under a new scheme. Minister Butler emphasized that the import ban is just the “first chapter” of vaping reform and encouraged people to quit vaping.
An Australian Secondary Schools Alcohol and Drug survey has revealed that about one in eight 12 to 15-year-olds and one in five 16 to 17-year-olds have vaped in the last month. The Federal government plans to spend $29.5 million (US$20.1 million) over the next four years on health services and programs to help people quit smoking and vaping.
Despite the vaping ban, concerns have been raised in Australia about the potential for a black market. Retired doctor and Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association founding Chairman Dr. Colin Mendelsohn believes that “regulations are wrong” and Libertarian MLC David Limbrick raised concerns about the government is putting the “interests of big pharma and doctors above Australian consumers.”