Experts Warn Coalition’s Plan to Widen Vape Access is a Win for Big Tobacco

May 2, 2025 The Coalition's proposed law to increase vape accessibility across Australia faces strong criticism from health experts because they see this measure as a serious threat to public health in the long term. Government officials designated the proposal since its goal is to collect $3.6 billion through vaping taxes, while allowing their legal sale in retail stores instead of just pharmacies. And health experts view this plan as a dangerous move, as it could normalise vaping as an ordinary practice, increasing health risks, particularly among young Australians.

Health professionals criticize the policy and argue that it is based on flawed reasoning, lacking credible evidence to support its claims. The policy's implementation would undo existing vape regulations, which resulted in years of progress and might fuel new youth nicotine addictions.

The Coalition proposal aims to enhance vape access as part of its funding strategy for alternative defense investments. The critics believe that the policy benefits big tobacco companies by permitting increased market exploitation through criminal groups that are currently selling illegal vapes beyond official channels. Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor supported the policy by saying it would establish control over illegal vape sales occurring outside of licensed pharmacies across the country. The critics claim higher taxes on vapes might drive illegal criminal organizations to introduce lower-priced products that remain unregulated, thus worsening the situation instead of resolving it.

Experts from the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH) criticized the proposed policy because they believe it will damage public health through easier access to vapes while promoting youth nicotine dependence. "This is exactly what big tobacco has been asking for," said Laura Hunter, CEO of ACOSH.

Public health expert Associate Professor Becky Freeman from the University of Sydney joined other experts to criticize this proposal because Australia currently maintains what experts describe as "world leading" restrictions on vape sales. Health professionals warn that any relaxation of current regulations will undermine the progress achieved in stopping youth addiction to nicotine.

The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) warned that permitting vaping products' promotion to children and young adults would create a new nicotine addiction epidemic that would burden the healthcare system.

The proposal has drawn intense criticism from the public as the Coalition government continues with its original launch plan during mid-2024 and midtone the plan to voters for the first time during election week. Health advocates request that the Coalition both examine their vaping policy and issue an official apology because of insufficient disclosure during the announcement process.