Australian Council on Smoking and Health

The 2024 Oceania Tobacco Control Conference facilitated an historic gathering of tobacco control colleagues to assist in the development of a roadmap for phasing out tobacco sales and addressing tobacco and nicotine harms in Indigenous communities and the region more broadly. The event also saw the unveiling of The Kilung Morunbal Jum, "Death by Smoke” sculpture (pictured), spotlighting the devastating impact of tobacco on Indigenous Australians. The piece was commissioned by the Tobacco Free Research Group at the Australian National University. https://lnkd.in/gP4zZq9s Image credit: NIT

October is Australian Mental Health Month, and at ACOSH, we are concerned about the impact of vape use on mental health, particularly among our teenagers. Recent research has found that teenagers with severe symptoms of depression were twice as likely to vape. The study found students who reported moderate or high-stress levels were 74% more likely to have tried vaping than those who reported low levels of stress. It highlights the importance of tackling mental health and vaping together. Understanding why teenagers are vaping, and how it makes them feel, can help us to understand the motivations of teenagers.” https://lnkd.in/divCtxGg

Are you a parent of a high schooler? We want to hear from you! ACOSH wants to gather insights from parents about vaping and their teenagers so we can continue to advocate for increased support for parents and teenagers. Parents who complete the short survey have the option to go into the draw to win a $100 grocery voucher. Please feel free to share this to your networks of high school parents, the more results the better insights we can gather. https://lnkd.in/gSBkNs3w

Commissioner Erin Dale is the world’s first Commissioner solely focused on targeting e-cigarettes and illicit tobacco. Dale is committed to showing criminals how seriously Australia is taking tobacco and e-cigarettes. The Commissioner's role is a part of the government's ‘Give Up For Good’ campaign aimed at raising awareness around the health harms of vaping and smoking. In November, the Commissioner will bring together federal and state counterparts to plan how they can close gaps to stop underworld figures from fueling illegal activities and businesses. The role of the Commissioner is also focused on educating the next generation to ensure they don’t become nicotine addicts.

At ACOSH we often get calls from concerned community members about smoke-drift in apartment or townhouse complexes. If that is you, or members of your community, check out this survey below by Cancer Council Western Australia. The results will directly inform policy directions within WA! Make Smoking History | Natalia Lizama | Australian Health Promotion Association | WA Local Government Association (WALGA)

Big news from Western Australia today! Congratulations to the WA Health Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson, who today has announced new regulations that will ban all sale of vapes without a prescription in WA. Make Smoking History | Cancer Council Western Australia | Healthway | Heart Foundation | Australian Medical Association (WA) | Lung Foundation Australia

These tough new laws introduced in Queensland put pressure on retailers that are illegally selling vapes. The amendments include fines for retailers of up to $1.6 million and up to 2 years' jail time.  These new laws should set a precedent for other states to ensure the legislation is enforced as effectively as possible and our teenagers and young adults are protected.

Alarming new research using Generation Vape survey data has revealed that 12-17-year-olds who have vaped are 5 TIMES more likely to start smoking in the future. The message cannot be clearer, we must protect our youth from vaping with strong legislation and implementation. https://lnkd.in/g_5Z_E9Q

As of 1 July 2024, the only legal way to purchase a vape in Australia is at a pharmacy with a valid doctor's prescription. Starting 1 October 2024, people over 18 will no longer need a prescription for some vapes but will need to have a consultation with a pharmacist. The changes to Australia's vaping laws are designed to end the sale of vapes from retail shops. However, there are still retailers and individuals illegally selling these products." If you know of a retailer or an individual selling vapes in Western Australia, you can “dob them in.” This can be done by following the instructions on the tile. Let’s ensure we protect our youth by ending illegal sales and access. Department of Health (WA Health)

With the need for a prescription to purchase vapes for adults ending in less than a month, now is the time for each State and Territory to start reviewing their tobacco and vaping regulations. The Tasmanian Government has now announced a proposal for stricter laws including the banning of vape sales to those under 18yo, and the requirement of a prescription for all adults. Now is the time to get tough on vaping. At ACOSH we will be watching what happens in Tasmania closely.