02/05/23: Major vaping reforms announced by Health Minister

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has commended the Australian Government on taking much needed action on e-cigarettes but says it’s crucial adequate support is in place for people who have developed a nicotine dependence through vaping.

Today, Australian Health Minister, the Hon Mark Butler MP, announced a raft of reforms, including:

• Banning imports of non-prescription vaping products
• Authorisation for all GPs to provide scripts for patients to obtain vapes, where they need them
• Vaping products to be only available in pharmacies
• Pharmaceutical style packaging with reduced flavours, colours and nicotine volumes
• Ban on single-use disposable vapes
• Investment in education and support programs to encourage people to quit

“The long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are unknown, so it’s important to take a precautionary approach,” said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation's CEO, Dr Erin Lalor AM.

“Most people who currently vape in Australia are using non-regulated products, so we have no idea what ingredients are in them, including the nicotine levels.

“Concerningly, a large amount of the non-regulated products sold as non-nicotine vapes, do contain nicotine, which means some people who vape, including young people, may be unknowingly consuming nicotine and have formed a dependence,” she explained.

Dr Lalor said it’s important that before the vaping changes come into effect, people who vape are aware of nicotine withdrawal signs, and where they can get help and support, should they want it.

“Nicotine is highly addictive, and it can be difficult to stop using it. When people do stop using it, they can go into withdrawal which can result in irritability, anxiety, cravings, trouble concentrating, sleeping problems and feeling sad or depressed.”

“These symptoms usually peak in the first few days after stopping using nicotine and they start to reduce in the weeks following. If you do think you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, there’s lots of help and support available. We firstly recommend getting in touch with your GP,” she said.

Dr Lalor also said it is critical teachers and parents are supported and encouraged to talk to young people about vaping.

“It’s really important that young people have open and honest conversations about the risks and impacts, from trusted adults in their lives.”

“The news about the vaping reforms is a good opportunity for parents to bring up the topic with their children. It’s particularly important for young people who vape, to be aware of the upcoming changes, potential signs of withdrawal, and what help and support is available for them,” she said.

Parents can go to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation's website for resources:

• Helping young people to quit vaping
• Parenting - Talk About It

Dr Lalor added that once the vaping changes come into effect, it will be critical that they are independently reviewed and evaluated.

“The Government will need to ensure that the changes are effective, and if they aren’t, other options for regulation should be considered,” she said.

To conclude, Dr Lalor urged all Governments to work together to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to vaping. This includes ensuring appropriate support and information for people who vape and the removal of the significant criminal and financial penalties for the personal possession of unregulated vaping products, which are currently legislated across Australia.

ENDS

For media enquiries please call the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s media team on 0430 948 380 or email media@adf.org.au.