Anthony Albanese has blasted cigarette smoking and vaping as ‘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 specialised retailers and convenience stores, meaning those who want to get one will need a prescription from their GP to buy one at a chemist.
Mr Albanese appeared on ABC Radio Brisbane’s afternoon program on Wednesday, and was asked if he had ever smoked a cigarette or vaped when he was younger.
Anthony Albanese has branded vaping as a ‘revolting habit’ (stock image)
‘No, I haven’t, actually, and I find it a revolting habit,’ Mr Albanese replied.
‘When I was young, I was someone who was never attracted towards it.
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Mark Butler is concerned about the growing trend of vaping among young Aussies
‘But of course, heaps of my friends (did).
‘When I was at school, it was pretty common that you would try cigarette smoking.
‘But it has gone out of fashion and that’s a good thing. And it’s of concern that this new element has come in.’
Mr Albanese said vaping was an issue raised with him nationwide, including a visit to northern NSW earlier in the day, and was told most young people regarded vaping was ‘pretty neutral and okay’.
However he said expert medical opinion was that vaping was bad for your lungs in the same way cigarettes are and he was mystified as to why ‘a lot of young people seem to be taking up this new habit’.
‘My gut instinct was that it can’t be good for you, putting something fake into your lungs,’ Mr Albanese said.
‘The way some of these vapes are being marketed with kids basically, descriptions, things that appeal to very young people, bright colours and cartoons and stuff like that, is a real indication of who it’s being aimed at.
‘It is increasingly the case that it’s being raised by teachers, by parents and by kids themselves too, saying, ‘you know, my friends are all engaging in 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 $2.2m under a new wave of anti-vaping laws introduced by the federal government in March
The government has also launched a $250,000 partnership with Spotify, social media influencers and sports stars as part of its anti-vaping program targeted at young Aussies.
Mr Albanese conceded that some have retailers and private citizens have found ways around the law.
‘There is already a black market and we are clamping down on that,’ he said.
Anthony Albanese told ABC Radio Brisbane that he had never smoked a cigarette or vape
The prime minister expressed concerns about how vapes are marketed as cool to young Aussies (stock image)
Mr Albanese’s strict stance on vaping sparked a divided response.
‘There goes the Gen Z vote!’ one quipped.
Others did not care what the prime minister thought.
‘Love a good vape, and will continue whether legal or not,’ one said.
Another added: ‘Maybe nobody actually cares whether or not you’ve ever smoked?’
The Prime Minister has vowed to crack down on ‘s vape black market