Inquiry to focus on e-cigarettes, vaping

The Queensland Government has launched a Parliamentary Inquiry investigating the availability and prevalence of vaping devices – particularly among younger Queenslanders – and the health risks associated with e-cigarettes.

The Parliament’s Health and Environment Committee will be directed to carry out the Inquiry which will also look at current measures being undertaken in schools to discourage vapers, which are steadily growing in popularity.

Combatting vaping has been an issue for high schools as vapes can be much more easily concealed compared to cigarettes.

Research from the Australian National University shows people who try vaping are three times more likely to take up smoking.

Issues the Parliamentary Inquiry will examine include:

•The prevalence of e-cigarette use, particularly amongst children and young people

•The risks of vaping harmful chemicals, including nicotine, to individuals, communities, and the health system

•The approaches being taken in Queensland schools and other settings relevant to children and young people to discourage uptake and use of e-cigarettes

•The awareness of the harmful effects of e-cigarette use to an individual’s health and the effectiveness of preventative actions.

The committee is expected to report back by August 31.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said if vaping is a stepping stone to smoking, we need to ensure Queenslanders, especially young Queenslanders, are aware of the health risks.

Speaking on Channel 9’s Today program, Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the Premier is right to undertake this inquiry and regulation is the key to the issue, concerning imports and where vapes can be bought.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Government this week has introduced legislation to Parliament to strengthen Queensland’s anti-smoking laws, including stronger enforcement action on illicit tobacco sale and supply, the introduction of a licensing scheme for the sale of tobacco, the expansion of smoke-free areas and tougher restrictions on cigarette sales in licensed venues.

Research from the office of Queensland’s Chief Health Officer shows the prevalence of daily smoking in Queensland continues to fall and as of 2020 had declined by 47 per cent since 2002.