A top health official has labeled e-cigarette makers as “sellers of death” as Victoria considers introducing a tobacco licensing system that could make buying the items much more difficult.
Victoria is the only Australian state without a plan or formal plans to introduce one, with Queensland’s starting in September 2024.
Department of Health Secretary Euan Wallace said Victoria was unable to track how many retailers were selling the products, but discussions were underway about how licensing could work.
Earlier this year, the federal government introduced sweeping changes to eradicate recreational vaping among young Australians, including banning single-use vapes, tightening regulations and further reforms in the future.
While cigarette use has plummeted among Australians, vapes – often produced by the same companies – are booming.
The items were a common accessory at Schoolies celebrations on the Gold Coast this week.
Victoria debates introducing a tobacco licensing scheme to crack down on illegal vaping (pictured: a teenager holding a vape at Schoolies)
Victoria is the only Australian state without a licensing system or formal plans to introduce one (pictured two girls, one carrying a vape in her protective case)
Professor Wallace said authorities were considering whether a licensing scheme would help authorities implement these changes.
He said e-cigarettes were introduced as a potential therapy to help smokers quit, but there was “poor evidence” that they were effective at doing so.
“Big tobacco knew exactly what it was doing when it introduced e-cigarettes,” he told the state Public Accounts and Estimates Committee on Friday.
‘They are salesmen of death.
“And the Commonwealth, working with states and territories, has taken appropriate action to effectively address what is one of the most significant public health risks to our people.”
More than 30 serious incidents and firebombings in Victoria this year have been linked to conflict over the illicit tobacco trade.
Victoria Police say members of Middle Eastern organized crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs are believed to be using youths, street gangs and low-level criminals to commit crimes.
More than $350,000 worth of illicit cigarettes, loose tobacco and vapes were seized in regional Victoria on Thursday following raids on tobacco shops that led to the arrest of seven people.