2 May 2025
Coalition’s vaping costings hole risks dismantling protections for young people
The public health community is deeply disappointed that the Liberal-National Coalition costings document, released just two days before election day, includes a false hope of raising $3.6 billion in revenue over the next four years from vape taxation.
That alleged money would only be available if all of Australia’s governments dismantled the protective national regime that was legislated unanimously by federal parliament in 2024, and which has been backed by implementation by every state and territory.
The protective regime is working. It means fewer young people are starting to vape, and are avoiding nicotine addiction.
The most disappointing aspect of such a policy proposal is that it would resume the marketing of vaping products to Australian children and young people.
That will fuel new waves of nicotine addiction, expose millions to serious short- and long-term harms and suffering, and add more pressure on our already overstretched health system.
The proposal has no credible evidence behind it. It would fly in the face of years of research and carefully constructed policy about the best way to protect the community, especially young people, from nicotine.
The public health community calls on the Coalition parties to apologise for this policy shift, and for the way it has been presented so late, and without transparency.
We call on all political parties and candidates to reject any suggestion of dismantling Australia’s system for protecting young peoples’ health and wellbeing, free from nicotine addiction.
For further information/comment:
Paris Lord (he/him), PHAA Communications & Media Manager, 0478 587 917, [email protected]
About us:
About the Public Health Association of Australia
We’re Australia's peak body for public health and advocate for the health and wellbeing of everyone. We strive to help prevent – rather than cure – illness and disease. We represent around 2,000 individual members from more than 40 professional groups interested in the promotion of public health. We have branches in every state and territory. Learn more at https://www.phaa.net.au/
Contact details:
Paris Lord (he/him), PHAA Communications & Media Manager, 0478 587 917, [email protected]
