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Tag: Western Australia

  • Western Australia Tightening Tobacco and Vape Laws

    Western Australia Tightening Tobacco and Vape Laws

    The Government of Western Australia Department of Health updated its website to address the new legislation that it is preparing to implement to strengthen tobacco and vaping controls, targeting the growing illicit market with tougher enforcement measures. The laws make it an offence to sell, supply, or possess illegal tobacco or vape products, grant authorities powers to shut down non-compliant premises, and introduce significantly higher penalties. Public smoke-free areas will also be extended to include vaping.

    The government said further reforms are planned for later in 2026, including stricter rules for landlords and licensing, as part of a broader effort to curb illegal trade and enhance public health protections.

  • W. Australia Focused on ‘Scourge’ Behind Illicit Tobacco

    W. Australia Focused on ‘Scourge’ Behind Illicit Tobacco

    The Government of Western Australia announced sweeping reforms to the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 aimed at crushing the illicit tobacco and vape trade, following the largest seizure of illegal products in state history. Under the proposed changes, individuals caught possessing large commercial quantities of illicit tobacco or vaping products could face fines of up to A$4.2 million ($3 million) and 15 years’ imprisonment, while companies could be fined up to A$21 million ($14.9 million) — the toughest penalties in Australia. The laws, to be introduced to Parliament on Feb. 17, would also allow store closures of up to 90 days during investigations. Premier Roger Cook described the illegal trade as a “scourge on our society,” blaming organized crime for fueling violence including firebombings and shootings targeting smoke shops across Perth.

    Police Minister Reece Whitby said authorities have seized 1.26 million illicit cigarettes, 467 kg of tobacco, nearly 17,000 illegal vapes and A$770,000 ($547,000) in cash in the last year, with a further A$1.7 million ($1.2 million) in parcels intercepted across WA and Victoria. Health Minister Meredith Hammat said WA Health would work alongside police to swiftly shut down non-compliant retailers, with a second tranche of legislation later this year expected to address further measures, including potential eviction powers for landlords linked to illicit trade activity.

  • Western Australia: New School Vaping Policies

    Western Australia: New School Vaping Policies

    Image: steheap

    The government of Western Australia (WA) has introduced new school behavior policies to prevent students from vaping.

    Students caught vaping will risk being unable to attend school events, such as balls, graduations and other extra-curricular activities. The new rules also include mandatory programs for students in years five to seven that teach them about the dangers of vaping; new teaching and learning resources for prevention education for students in years eight to 10; and a trial of vape detectors in up to 10 schools across the state.

    “The prevalence of vapes in our community is a serious issue,” said Tony Buti, WA’s education minister. “The biggest misunderstanding is they are harmless compared to cigarettes—this is not true—vapes are not safe, and they are contributing to a new generation of nicotine dependency.”

    It’s illegal in WA to sell e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping products to anyone without a doctor’s prescription. These devices are only allowed for smoking cessation purposes and must be obtained from a pharmacy.

    Youth often purchase vapes online, from retail stores or from friends and contacts, according to the WA Department of Education. More than 70 percent of participants in an October survey of over 3,000 individuals aged 12 to 18 found it easy for a young person to “get a vape,” and many respondents stated that the products are prolific, especially in schools. The survey was used in a report on vaping by Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, WA commissioner for children and young people.