The rise in daily or occasional smoking in Hunter New England is sparking concerns about the impact of vaping, as public health officials implement stricter tobacco regulations. The smoking rate increased slightly from 11.9% in 2023 to 12.1% last year, following a long-term decline. This shift comes amid a backdrop of rising vaping use, prompting new regulatory measures.
Vaping’s Role in Smoking Trends
Professor Christine Paul from the University of Newcastle noted that while a small uptick in smoking rates isn’t immediately alarming, the rapid rise in vaping over the past five years could be influencing these numbers. “Vaping is a gateway into smoking, particularly for younger people,” she explained. However, she also acknowledged that some individuals use vapes to quit smoking cigarettes, suggesting a complex relationship between the two habits.
Despite the rise in smoking rates, daily smoking in Hunter New England continues to decline, with recent figures at 8.8% in 2024, down from 10.4% in 2020. The statewide rate in 2024 hit a record low of 6.9%. However, the influx of illegal tobacco and vapes complicates the public health landscape, as Border Force seized 6.3 million illegal vapes last year, but many more entered the market.
New Licensing Scheme to Curb Illegal Trade
In response to these challenges, the NSW government has launched a new tobacco licensing system to regulate the sale of tobacco and vaping products. Retailers and wholesalers must now obtain a license, with criminal background checks applied to applicants. Professor Paul stated that this new system is stricter than the previous registration framework, allowing authorities to refuse licenses.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park highlighted that the licensing scheme aims to “clean out bad actors in NSW’s tobacco market.” New penalties for unlicensed sales include fines of up to $44,000 for individuals and $220,000 for corporations. Additionally, the number of authorized inspectors will double to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
The NSW Health department, led by chief health officer Kerry Chant, stresses the importance of reducing tobacco use, which remains a leading cause of premature death. Approximately 1,000 smoking-related deaths occur annually in Hunter New England, underscoring the public health stakes involved.
The ongoing efforts to regulate tobacco and vaping sales reflect a broader strategy to manage smoking rates and address the evolving landscape of nicotine consumption. The impact of these measures on smoking rates will be closely monitored in the coming years, as authorities navigate the complexities of public health and consumer behavior.
