This is an opportunity for vapers to be heard before the anti-vaping policy is locked in for the rest of the decade.

The draft strategy lacks urgency. It sets a very modest goal of <10% adult daily smoking by 2025. In sharp contrast, New Zealand recently set a target of <5% daily adult smoking by 2025 for all population groups including Maori and Pacifica groups. Vaping is a key element of this plan.

Please make a submission before the deadline of 24 March 2022. More information about making a submission can be found HERE.

“The main element missing from the draft Strategy is tobacco harm reduction, ie the use of safer nicotine alternatives such as vaping, heated tobacco products, Swedish snus and nicotine pouches for smokers who are unable to quit with other methods”

Vaping is supported by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners for smokers who are unable to quit with conventional strategies. However, the draft strategy ignores their advice. In Australia it is easier to purchase a deadly cigarette than a far safer alternative.

Continuing the traditional 'quit or die' approach will result in a continuing sluggish decline in Australian smoking rates and another embarrassing failure to reach the smoking target. Smokers are being thrown under the bus. We need to do better.