The federal government has dismissed claims from a report suggesting that the banning of vape sales last year led to an increase in smoking among youth. According to the report, which assessed the new vaping legislation enacted in phases starting July 2024, it purportedly showed that smoking and vaping rates overall have not diminished and are, in fact, higher now compared to the latter half of last year.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler refuted these findings, citing government research that indicates a decrease in both vaping and smoking among young Australians. “I shared concerns about a potential increase in smoking if we restricted access to vapes,” he stated, but asserted that data from Gen Vape and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute contradicts those fears.
Butler raised “a couple of issues” with the Roy Morgan report that was published on July 1, pointing out that parts of it originated from before the new vaping laws were introduced and examined a different demographic than the Generation Vape project, produced in collaboration with the Cancer Council. Notably, it was reported that an earlier version of the Roy Morgan study, which had hinted at governmental failures, was removed from the internet, while a revised version lacking those references was subsequently released. However, the original findings were later reinstated by Roy Morgan.
It was also noted in the release that the press coverage of the research had created more questions than answers. In response to these developments, the government highlighted the outcomes of its OurFutures Vaping Prevention Education Program, which engaged over 5000 students across 40 schools, demonstrating a significant reduction in vaping uptake amongst participants. Butler pointed out alarming statistics, such as high school students who vape being five times more likely to smoke, and that 12-year-olds who vaped had a staggering likelihood of taking up smoking compared to non-vaping peers.
Feedback from students, like year nine pupil Nick, indicated that the program helped them grasp the broader effects of vaping, not only on themselves but also on those around them. The initiative proved beneficial, with participants reportedly being 65% less likely to have vaped after a year, and 80% suggesting it equipped them better for future vaping situations. Looking ahead, the OurFutures program is set to extend to Australian schools through 2028, with more comprehensive findings to be anticipated in the coming year.