Queensland Tobacco Laws: New Rules & Changes
- A New Zealand minister has strongly criticized Australia's approach to tobacco control, labeling it an "appalling failure." Casey Costello, New Zealand's Minister of Customs and Associate Health Minister,...
- Costello contrasted the situation with New Zealand, where she saeid seeing a young person smoking is rare.She highlighted the visibility of young smokers in areas like Darling Harbour...
- In response, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler defended Australia's strategies, particularly its focus on preventing youth vaping.
Teh New Zealand Minister of Customs has blasted Australia’s tobacco control efforts, calling them an “appalling failure” after witnessing youth smoking firsthand. This scathing assessment highlights stark differences in how the two nations tackle tobacco use, with New Zealand outpacing Australia in smoking rate declines. Minister Casey Costello pointed too visible youth smokers in areas like Sydney, sharply contrasting with New Zealand’s progress. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler responded, defending Australia’s anti-vaping legislation as a key strategy to protect young people from nicotine addiction, which he sees as a gateway to cigarette smoking.While smoking rates have dropped in both countries, the debate underscores differing approaches to the ongoing battle against tobacco.For the latest updates, visit News Directory 3, and discover what’s next in the ongoing debate surrounding youth smoking and vaping.
New Zealand Minister Calls australia’s Tobacco Policy an “Appalling Failure”
Updated June 09, 2025
A New Zealand minister has strongly criticized Australia’s approach to tobacco control, labeling it an “appalling failure.” Casey Costello, New Zealand’s Minister of Customs and Associate Health Minister, made the remarks after observing youth smoking rates during a recent visit to Australia.
Costello contrasted the situation with New Zealand, where she saeid seeing a young person smoking is rare.She highlighted the visibility of young smokers in areas like Darling Harbour in Sydney as evidence of Australia’s shortcomings in combating tobacco use and illicit tobacco.
In response, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler defended Australia’s strategies, particularly its focus on preventing youth vaping. Butler asserted that the government’s anti-vaping legislation is effective in protecting young people from nicotine addiction and the dangers of vaping,which he described as a gateway to cigarette smoking promoted by ”Big Tobacco.”
While both countries have seen declines in smoking rates, New Zealand’s progress has been more significant. New Zealand’s smoking rate fell from over 14% in 2019 to 6.9% in 2023. Australia saw a decrease from 11% to 8.3% during the same period. The debate highlights differing approaches to tobacco control and their relative success in reducing smoking rates.
“If you see a young person smoking in New Zealand, it’s like a unicorn.But Darling Harbour, across the waterfront, there were young people smoking. We don’t have that, and we need to be proud of that,” Costello said.
“Making sure young people didn’t get addicted to vapes was always our focus. They were told vapes were a safe alternative to smoking, but that was all a ruse from Big Tobacco. We know vaping has become a gateway to cigarette smoking,” Butler said.
What’s next
The contrasting views on tobacco policy may lead to further discussion and potential adjustments in strategies for both countries as they continue to address smoking and vaping rates.