Researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) have revealed that smoking rates in New Zealand have declined at twice the rate of Australia, offering evidence that less stringent vaping regulations could lead to improved public health outcomes.
The study, led by Emeritus Professor Wayne Hall from UQ’s National Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research, found that adult daily smoking rates in New Zealand fell by 10% annually between 2016 and 2023, in stark contrast to a 5% annual decline in Australia. This disparity in smoking reduction closely correlates with higher vaping rates in New Zealand. In 2023, 9.7% of New Zealand adults reported vaping daily, compared to just 3.5% of Australians.
Professor Hall pointed out that New Zealand’s more permissive approach to vaping—endorsing it as a tool to quit smoking—could be a key factor in the more significant decline in smoking. In contrast, Australia’s highly restrictive medical-only model for accessing vaping products has hindered broader access. New Zealand allows regulated sales of vaping products through licensed retailers, a policy approach similar to that of other countries like the UK, USA, and Canada.
These findings suggest that increasing access to nicotine vaping products could not only improve public health but also reduce social inequalities and curb the illegal vaping market, which is thriving in Australia due to strict regulations.
“Tobacco smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease in both Australia and New Zealand, underscoring the urgent need for effective public health strategies,” Professor Hall said. “The most significant reductions in smoking rates were seen in younger adults and the most disadvantaged populations, who also had the highest rates of vaping.”
The study’s co-authors, including Associate Professor Gary Chan, highlighted concerns that Australia’s vaping restrictions have led to a burgeoning black market, which now accounts for over 90% of vaping products. Professor Chan emphasized that any regulatory model should strike a balance between preventing youth access to vaping products while encouraging adult smokers to transition to vaping as a smoking cessation tool.
“To avoid deterring adult smokers from switching to vaping, appropriate measures should be introduced, such as limiting sales to licensed retailers, enforcing strict age verification, banning youth-targeted flavors and advertising, and monitoring sales,” Professor Chan said.
Professor Ron Borland of Deakin University’s School of Psychology also supported the study’s findings, noting the potential benefits of more flexible vaping regulations. He argued that if New Zealand’s approach is responsible for its rapid reduction in smoking, then a similar model in Australia could hasten smoking cessation, reduce health disparities, and combat the illicit vape market.
“Regulated retail sales of vaping products could significantly improve public health, especially among high-risk groups such as disadvantaged and Indigenous populations,” Professor Borland concluded. “Adopting New Zealand’s model could accelerate Australia’s efforts to reduce smoking rates and enhance public health outcomes.”
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