Alternative tobacco and nicotine products in Australia

Australia: The government of Queensland has passed legislation to strengthen the state’s anti-smoking and illicit tobacco laws and their enforcement. The Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Amendment Bill 2023 introduces a licensing scheme for the sale of tobacco, expands the list of non-smoking areas and imposes tougher restrictions on cigarette and vape sales at licensed venues. The bill also introduces fines of AUD43,125 ($28,000) for supplying and AUD20,125 ($13,000) for storing illicit tobacco.

Australia: The South Australia state government has proposed extending the existing restrictions on smoking in outdoor public places, press reports. The use of heated tobacco would be banned, along with smoking, on beaches, at public swimming pools, and within 10 m of schools and 5 m of shopping centres.

Australia: A change of government, following the weekend’s federal election, could have a direct impact on nicotine and innovative tobacco products in the country. The Australian Labor Party, which has promised to crack down on “unhealthy products”, now has 75 seats in the House of Representatives (out of 151) and 26 in the Senate (out of 76). This approach, together with the existing 2030 National Tobacco Strategy, which will be focused on reducing tobacco lobbying and holding public campaigns warning of the dangers of tobacco products, is sure to play a big role in future regulation.

Australia: The Australian Bureau of Statistics yesterday published the results of its 2020/21 smoking and vaping prevalence survey. They show 10.7% (2.1m) adults were daily smokers, including 8.3% of those aged 18-24, while 61.2% of adults had never smoked.