Members Health Fund Alliance backs tougher enforcement of vaping laws

Members Health Fund Alliance (Members Health) has welcomed the government’s announcement of tougher enforcement of vaping laws.

From January 1, 2024, the government will ban the importation of disposable single-use vapes, subject to legislative and administrative arrangements being approved, including by the governor-general in the Federal Executive Council.

In a Press release, Members Health commended Federal Health Minister Mark Butler for taking an all-of-government approach to address vaping.

“Vaping is a major health issue, and it is pleasing to see Federal Health Minister Mark Butler showing decisive national leadership,” said Members Health CEO Matthew Koce. “Vaping was supposed to help people quit smoking but instead has become an insidious gateway to nicotine drug addiction.

“The number of younger people and, in particular, vulnerable children becoming addicted to vapes is of particular concern. Reports of vapes being sold near schools and produced in flavours, like bubble gum, to appeal to children [are] unconscionable.”

Koce also emphasised the dangers of vaping, noting some reports pointing to risk of severe lung damage, accelerated tooth decay, and impacts on mental health.

“Research has shown some vapes contain dangerous chemicals such as ethylene glycol, which is used in air conditioning units and to de-ice airstrips,” he said. “Australia has been a world leader in reducing smoking rates, and the last thing we want is for that achievement go up in smoke, thanks to dangerous and addictive vapes.”

Vaping reforms in Australia

Aside from banning the importation of disposable single-use vapes, the government will launch a new Special Access Scheme pathway to prescribe vapes on January 1, 2024. The pathway will facilitate improved access to therapeutic vapes, enabling medical practitioners and nurse practitioners to prescribe their use where clinically appropriate.

Other changes, which will commence on March 1, 2024, include:

• ceasing the personal importation of vapes;
• banning the importation of non-therapeutic vapes;
• requiring therapeutic vape importers and manufacturers to inform the Therapeutic Goods Administration of their product’s compliance with the relevant product standards; and
• requiring importers to obtain a licence and permit from the Australian Government’s Office of Drug Control before the products are imported.

The government will also introduce legislation in 2024 to prevent domestic manufacture, advertisement, supply, and commercial possession of non-therapeutic and disposable single-use vapes.

“Vaping is creating a whole new generation of nicotine dependency in our community. It poses a major threat to Australia’s success in tobacco control, and the Albanese Government is not going to stand by and let this happen,” Minister Butler said. “All Australian governments are committed to working together to stop the disturbing growth in vaping among our young people.”