Australia has taken a bold step in protecting its youth from the dangers of vaping with the Senate’s approval of groundbreaking legislation aimed at curbing the influence of Big Tobacco and Big Vape. VicHealth has welcomed this move, praising the new laws designed to shield young people from harmful and addictive vaping products.
This legislation includes crucial measures such as banning and restricting the importation, manufacturing, and supply of vapes, keeping them out of children’s hands. It also ensures that adults looking to quit smoking will have access to vapes only through pharmacies, following a discussion with a pharmacist. Additionally, it targets the aggressive marketing tactics aimed at young people, putting strict penalties in place for non-pharmacy retailers who possess vapes, without punishing individuals.
VicHealth CEO, Dr. Sandro Demaio, emphasised the importance of these new laws in protecting young Australians. “The resurgence of Big Tobacco, pushing vapes to a new generation for profit, is a critical health issue,” Dr. Demaio stated. “These products are harmful, addictive, and detrimental to the health of our young people.”
The Senate’s decision is a significant step towards disrupting the tobacco and vaping industry. By preventing the sale of vapes in common retail outlets, the legislation aims to reduce the number of teenagers getting hooked on nicotine by as many as 1,000 each week. Dr. Demaio applauded the Australian Government’s decisive action, highlighting the long-overdue protection it provides to young people.
VicHealth remains dedicated to collaborating with all levels of government and supports the government’s investment in preventative campaigns. For those seeking to quit smoking or vaping, support is available through Quitline, supported by VicHealth. Quitline offers assistance via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger @QuitVic, live chat at quit.org.au, or by requesting a callback. Qualified Quitline counsellors are available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm to help individuals on their quitting journey.
The passage of this legislation marks a historic day in the fight against the harmful influence of Big Tobacco and Big Vape, signalling a safer future for Australia’s youth.
For more info go to https://www.quit.org.au/
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