The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) recognises recreational vaping as one of Australia's greatest public health crises and supports the move toward stronger regulation, noting these should be backed up with strong preventive public health strategies on the ground.

AMSA welcomes and commends the measures taken by Minister Butler’s office regarding the regulation of vaping including the restriction of flavours and ingredients, plain pharmaceutical-like packaging and reduction in nicotine concentration.

However, AMSA President, Tish Sivagnanan was concerned about potential risks associated with an immediate ban on all vaping products.

“For the population of young people who are already dependent, we are ultimately concerned a stringent crackdown on vaping without clearly delineated remedial and supportive strategies runs a high risk of increased black-market trading of vaping products amongst young people, where these products will once again be unregulated,”.

AMSA strongly commends the $234 million of federal budget funding being allocated towards a public health campaign to discourage vaping and support programs for quitting, noting that the effective dissemination of these programs must be prioritised in line with the ban.

“We urge the government to work hand-in-hand with harm minimisation efforts, ensuring that equitable, accessible and targeted support programs are in place before, or concurrent with the ban,” said Anna Duan, AMSA Healthy Communities Co-Chair.

“A key focus must be placed on supporting those who are dependent on vaping, prioritising remedial rather than retributive measures, especially for young people,” said Ms Duan.

AMSA continues to support the prescription use of nicotinic vapes as a key and effective method of smoking cessation when prescribed by a doctor, and supports tangible measures to increase access to prescriptions for patients wanting to quit smoking.

AMSA is the peak representative body for Australia’s 18,000 medical students. AMSA advocates for the health outcomes of all Australians with a strong focus on ensuring equitable, accessible and inclusive strategies toward healthcare.