Vaping, once a trendy habit among young adults and high schoolers in Australia, is facing a turbulent phase as prices for illegal vapes skyrocket. Health Minister Mark Butler recently highlighted that the stringent vape ban imposed by the government has started to yield positive results, with a noticeable decline in vaping rates among the youth population.
The crackdown on vapes led to a significant surge in prices of fruity-flavored vapes sold illegally at tobacco and corner stores, reaching between $50 and $60 per unit. This price hike ensued from the introduction of strict public health measures by the Labor government last year. The ban restricted the purchase of vapes solely as anti-smoking aids from pharmacies while intensifying actions against importation.
According to reports, officials intercepted a staggering 8 million illegal vapes at borders, primarily originating from China and marketed under popular brands like Alibarbar and iGet. Despite their availability in the market, the combination of elevated prices and limited supply, coupled with educational efforts at schools, contributed to reducing smoking rates significantly.
Alecia Brooks from the Cancer Council emphasized how easy access to vaping products could influence young individuals’ perceptions about its safety. She mentioned,
“When it is really easy to get your hands on a product, that signals to a young person that it must not be that bad for you.”
A comprehensive survey by the Cancer Council titled Generation Vape revealed some compelling insights regarding shifting trends in vaping habits among different age groups. Data indicated a 50% decrease in vaping rates among 18-24-year-olds since early 2023. Similarly, there was a noticeable drop in vaping prevalence among 14-17-year-olds starting from late last year.
Brooks further pointed out that heightened media coverage and public awareness campaigns played pivotal roles in steering young people towards making healthier choices regarding vaping. Encouragingly, around 60% of respondents expressed their desire to quit vaping within the next month—a significant increase from previous figures.
However, despite these positive developments, challenges persist as illicit tobacco sales continue unabated due to ongoing battles over vape profits among criminal gangs operating in major cities. Pharmacies authorized to sell non-flavored vapes have displayed reluctance, limiting options for cigarette smokers seeking alternatives amidst rising illegal tobacco trade.
Health Minister Mark Butler reiterated that eradicating youth vaping remains a top priority for the government but acknowledged that this task demands sustained effort over time. He emphasized concerns about vapes serving as gateways to traditional cigarette smoking among adolescents.
On another front, Coalition health spokesman Senator Anne Ruston raised concerns about delays in curbing black market activities associated with vapes—a situation she believes has fueled criminal activities such as firebombings targeting tobacco stores across Melbourne.
Amid budgetary implications stemming from reduced tobacco excise revenue due to increased illegal trading activities (“chop chop” tobacco), political parties are deliberating strategies for regulating vapes while aiming for improved public health outcomes without inadvertently aiding organized crime syndicates profiting from illicit vape sales.
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