Australia’s proactive approach to tobacco control, particularly in addressing smoking and vaping, has received commendation from the World Health Organization (WHO). Regional Director Saia Ma’u Piukala praised Australia’s leadership, describing its efforts as commendable and inspiring.
The Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, spearheaded international discussions on e-cigarettes and vaping during the World Health Assembly in Geneva. These discussions were held in anticipation of World No Tobacco Day, with a focus on protecting children from tobacco industry interference.
The meeting emphasized the WHO’s call to action for Member States to take decisive measures against e-cigarettes, highlighting the release of a new report titled ‘Hooking the Next Generation: how the tobacco industry captures young customers’.
Minister Butler chaired a roundtable discussion with Health Ministers and senior foreign health officials to share challenges and successes in addressing vaping-related harms. Australia’s proactive stance on vaping legislation, particularly its world-leading reforms, has garnered global attention. The legislation aims to regulate vapes as therapeutic products, restrict their sale outside of pharmacies, and criminalize the commercial sale of non-regulated vapes.
The legislation, alongside comprehensive tobacco laws introduced by the Albanese Labor Government, reflects Australia’s commitment to reducing tobacco use. These measures build upon Australia’s pioneering plain packaging laws introduced in 2012, which have since been emulated by over 20 countries.
Minister Butler emphasized the importance of timely action, stressing the responsibility of Parliamentarians to safeguard the health of young Australians. Saia Ma’u Piukala echoed praise for Australia’s efforts, highlighting the country’s commitment to preserving tobacco control progress and protecting future generations from harmful products.
The WHO urges Member States in the Western Pacific Region to either ban or tightly regulate e-cigarettes as part of comprehensive tobacco control strategies, underscoring the urgency of addressing the increasing use of these products among young people.
