Albanese government’s Vape crackdown fails as a 36 per cent spike in young people smoking is recorded

Recent data revealed more than one-in-10 people aged 18 to 24 are smoking cigarettes, a 36 per cent spike in less than a year. It has led to renewed criticism of the Albanese government’s vape crackdown.

Health Minister Mark Butler has come under fresh scrutiny after the latest statistics found a spike in smoking. It follows his vape crackdown. Picture: Martin Ollman

Shocking smoking statistics which show young people are lighting up cigarettes in growing numbers ever since a crackdown on vapes was introduced has ignited renewed criticism of the federal government’s attempts to curb e-cigarette use.

Recent data revealed more than one-in-10 of 18 to 24 year olds are smoking cigarettes, a 36 per cent spike in less than a year.

The figures come despite Health Minister Mark Butler insisting to The Daily Telegraph that the Albanese government’s “world leading” vaping reforms are working.

A spokeswoman for Coalition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston slammed Mr Butler for “patting himself on the back” when young people are smoking and vaping more than they were before the ban came into effect.

The increase in smoking follows the Albanese government’s crackdown on vapes. Picture: iStock

“These statistics are an absolute indictment on the Albanese Government, which has blatantly lied to Australians by saying that their vaping reforms are working,” she said.

“Not only has the government failed to crack down on this serious issue, but it has only become worse under their failed approach.

“Kids are being targeted by a dangerous black market, which has exploded out of control.

“The Albanese Government has made it clear that they are not up to the job of cracking down on these criminals and protecting our kids from the harms of illicit vaping and tobacco products.”

The latest research from Roy Morgan shows nicotine use among young adults rising sharply since the national ban began in July 2024.

At the same time as young people increased smoking factory-made cigarettes, they also began vaping more – with a climb from 19 per cent to 20.5 per cent.

There was also a slight rise in roll-your-own tobacco use.

In total, 28 per cent of young adults now smoke or vape, the highest rate of any age group.

Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said the federal government’s laws “demonstrably failed to reduce overall rates of smoking and vaping”.

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Originally published as Albanese government’s Vape crackdown fails as a 36 per cent spike in young people smoking is recorded