The RACGP is joining a coalition of frontline health organisations advocating for change as a statewide crackdown on vaping gains steam.
The college is collaborating for the first time with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Australian Medical Association to encourage Members of Parliament to support the vaping legislation that is presently being considered by the Federal Parliament.
If the proposed regulations are approved, vapes will be classified as therapeutic goods that can be purchased with a prescription and used to help people stop smoking.
The legislation would be used in conjunction with other modifications made earlier in the year that limit the supply, distribution, and importation of all vapes to legitimate pharmacies.
Severe penalties have been planned for the importation, production, supply, advertisement, and commercial possession of illicit vapes. The plan would prohibit tobacconists, vape shops, and convenience stores from lawfully providing any kind of vape.
The proposed laws may result in fines of up to $2.2 million or seven years in prison for violators.
Dr. Nicole Higgins, President of the RACGP, warned that Australia will have to deal with a new generation of nicotine addicts if prompt action is not taken.
“The work is not done, but Australia has done a tremendous amount to reduce smoking rates across the country,” the speaker stated.
firms that offer vapes, such as Big Tobacco firms, do so to increase consumer traffic and profits rather than as a kind gesture towards public health.
“Prioritise your health and well-being, and inspire others to follow suit.”
The severe new sanctions coincide with the fact that 25% of Australians between the ages of 18 and 24 and 1 in 6 high school students currently vape.
At the same time, as vape stores purposefully open within walking distance of campuses, vapes have emerged as the most common behavioural problem in many schools.
Authorities around the nation have been cracking down on the importation of vape devices since stricter restrictions and penalties were implemented at the beginning of 2024.
Six people were arrested after Victoria Police found about 500,000 e-cigarettes at a West Melbourne warehouse last month. at February, a separate raid turned up $13.5 million worth of e-cigarettes, tobacco, guns, and cash.
Minister for Aged Care and Federal Health Mark Butler said that efforts to combat child vaping are “stepping up every day.”
Doctors see the risks and devastating effects on kids, their parents, and their families every day—the health impacts of nicotine addiction.
“I’m comforted that the top frontline health professions in the country have joined… our global resistance to this pernicious product pushed by Big Tobacco and its shady allies.”
We are fighting a relentless battle for our children, and we won’t give up until we succeed.
The Federal Parliament will vote on the government’s vaping plan later this year, and if approved, it will take effect on July 1st.
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