Vaping legislation passes the Australian Parliament
Telethon Kids Institute welcomes the Federal Government's stringent vaping reforms that took effect on 1 July 2024. These stricter regulations aim to significantly reduce the harm caused by vapes while ensuring their continued availability as aids for people who are trying to quit smoking.
Research Leading the Charge
Telethon Kids Institute's formative research has helped inform these world-leading reforms, aiming to protect young Australians and the broader community.
Associate Professor Alexander Larcombe, Head of Respiratory Environmental Health at the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre – a powerhouse partnership between Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children’s Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation – has spearheaded a research program on e-cigarette contents and health impacts. His dedicated research and advocacy efforts have significantly shaped public perception of e-cigarettes and generated evidence-informed policy that delivers tangible benefits in our community.
Research led by Associate Professor Larcombe – also from Curtin University’s School of Population Health – revealed alarming findings about toxic chemicals in e-cigarettes, exposing that many products labelled as ‘nicotine-free’ actually contain nicotine, acting as a potential gateway to tobacco use.
“We know that vapes contain a range of harmful chemicals, and that they are not ‘harm-free’ in terms of health impacts. Every one we have looked at also contains other chemicals and substances known to cause respiratory issues or lung damage when inhaled,” Associate Professor Larcombe said.
“The nicotine in e-cigarettes is particularly concerning from the perspective of young people as we know that its use impacts the developing brain, leading to a range of health and developmental issues.
“Unfortunately, recent research has shown that young vapers are also about three times more likely to take up cigarette smoking, a well-established health hazard.
“The recent reforms are a significant step forward in protecting young Australians from these harms, and from nicotine addiction.”
What’s changing?
The Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024 (the Act), which commenced on 1 July 2024, introduces stricter regulations of vapes:
- From 1 July, the sale, supply, manufacture, import and commercial possession of non-therapeutic vapes is illegal.
- Therapeutic vapes will continue to be available but can only be legally sold by pharmacies to people who have a prescription from their doctor.
- Starting 1 October 2024, people over 18 will be able to purchase a therapeutic vape over the counter at their local pharmacy without a prescription. However, pharmacists will be required to check photo ID and have a conversation with that person about the health risks of vaping.
- Vapes must have plain packaging and flavours will be restricted to tobacco, menthol and mint.
- Stricter import controls for therapeutic vapes, ensuring they meet safety standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Read the Act: Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Act 2024