Anthony Albanese has called smoking and vaping “revolting” as the government uses laws and taxes to try to abolish both.
New legislation introduced on January 1 bans the sale of nicotine vapes in specialist and convenience stores, meaning those wishing to obtain one will need to obtain a prescription from their GP to purchase one from a pharmacy .
Mr Albanese appeared on ABC Radio Brisbane’s afternoon show on Wednesday and was asked him if he had ever smoked a cigarette or vaped when he was younger.
Anthony Albanese called vaping a ‘revolting habit’ (stock image)
“No, actually, I haven’t, and I find it a revolting habit,” Mr. Albanese replied.
“When I was young, I was someone who was never attracted to that.
“But of course, a lot of my friends (did it).
“When I was at school it was quite common to try smoking cigarettes.
“But it’s gone out of fashion and that’s a good thing. And it is worrying that this new element has appeared.
Mr Albanese said vaping was an issue raised with him across the country, including during a visit to northern NSW earlier today, and he was told most of young people considered vaping to be a problem. “fairly neutral and ok”.
However, he said expert medical opinion was that vaping was bad for the lungs in the same way as cigarettes and he was perplexed as to why “a many young people seem to adopt this new habit.
“My instinct was telling me it couldn’t be good for you to put something wrong in your lungs,” Mr. Albanese said.
“The way some of these vapes are marketed to children, the descriptions, the things that appeal to very young people, the bright colors, the cartoons and stuff like that, are a real indication of who they are aimed at .
“More and more, teachers and parents and kids themselves are talking about it, saying, ‘You know, my friends are all into this vaping and how can we do something about it?’
Illegal vape manufacturers and suppliers could face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to $2.2 million under a new wave of anti-vaping laws introduced by the federal government in March.
The government also launched a $250,000 partnership with Spotify, social media influencers and sports stars as part of its anti-vaping program for young Australians.
Mr. Albanese acknowledged that some retailers and individuals have found ways to circumvent the law.
“There is already a black market and we are cracking down on it,” he said.
Anthony Albanese told ABC Radio Brisbane he has never smoked a cigarette or vaped.
The Prime Minister has expressed concerns about how vapes are being marketed as cool to young Australians (stock image)
Mr Albanese’s strict stance on vaping has drawn a divided response.
“Here’s Gen Z’s vote!” » one of them joked.
Others didn’t care what the Prime Minister thought.
“I love a good vape and will continue whether it’s legal or not,” one said.
Another added: “Maybe no one really cares if you’ve ever smoked or not?
The Prime Minister pledged to crack down on the vaping black market in Australia
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