"The evidence is clear, the science is sound, and the voices of former smokers like myself cannot be ignored." - Vaping Consumer
- Kim
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
I write with a heavy heart and a fire in my belly, as a 44-year-old woman who has endured the ravages of addiction only to find solace in a much-maligned alternative: vaping. I am a former smoker of 21 years who finally broke free from the clutches of tobacco thanks to vaping. Yet, instead of embracing harm reduction, Australia has chosen to shackle itself to an archaic prescription model that not only fails to protect its citizens but also jeopardizes the safety of our youth.
In 2018, after decades of smoking and witnessing the toll it took on my health, I made the courageous decision to switch to vaping. Fruit-flavoured e-liquids became my lifeline, offering a semblance of pleasure without the deadly consequences of combustible tobacco. The impact was profound; I haven't touched a cigarette since.
However, my journey to liberation from smoking has not been without its challenges. Despite our unwavering commitment to harm reduction, our efforts are continually undermined by Australia's misguided approach to vaping regulation.
Australia's insistence on a prescription model for nicotine vaping products is not just nonsensical, it's downright harmful. By forcing vapers to jump through bureaucratic hoops and denying them access to safer alternatives, the government is effectively pushing them back into the arms of Big Tobacco. This regressive stance not only endangers public health but also undermines the very principles of harm reduction that should be at the forefront of any responsible drug policy.
Contrast this with New Zealand, a country that has embraced a regulated vaping model with open arms. By regulating the sale of vaping products and enforcing strict age verification measures, New Zealand has successfully protected its youth while empowering adult smokers to make informed choices about their health. It's a model that works, a model that Australia would do well to emulate.
The evidence is clear, the science is sound, and the voices of former smokers like myself cannot be ignored. Australia has the opportunity to lead the way in harm reduction, but it will require courage, compassion, and a willingness to confront the status quo.
Submission To Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 Inquiry
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