The Australian Government instituted an import ban on 1 January, banning the importation of disposable vapes into the country.
In March, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler introduced the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024, which proposed a nationally consistent framework to regulate the importation, domestic manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertisement of all vapes.
The Bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Standing Committee for Community Affairs Legislation, which conducted multiple public hearings on the Bill and received 281 submissions. This included a submission by RACS, which expressed its strong support for the legislation.
In its submission, RACS emphasised how the tobacco and vape industry has deliberately marketed vape products to young people, and how vaping rates in Australia have increased significantly over recent years, particularly among children and young people. This is a worrying trend, given the inconclusive evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of vaping products, their possible long-term health effects and their impact on surgery.
Following the conclusion of hearings, the Community Affairs Legislation Committee recommended that the Bill be passed and it passed through Parliament.
From 1 July 2024, the sale, supply, manufacture, importation, and commercial possession of non-therapeutic vapes is prohibited.
From 1 July 2024, people seeking a therapeutic vape will need to discuss with their GP and get a prescription to buy a regulated therapeutic vape from their local pharmacy.
From 1 October 2024, therapeutic vapes containing nicotine or a non-zero nicotine substance will be available for supply in pharmacy settings to patients 18 years or over without a prescription.
As a Member of the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH), a leading independent, Australian tobacco control advocacy organisation, RACS supports ACOSH’s goal to create a tobacco-free and vape-free Australia. The passage of this landmark legislation represents an important step towards that goal.