BREAKING: Media Release! 15/6/2023Vaping Association of Australia is visiting Parliament House as they call for sensible regulations to tackleblack market vapes. The Vaping Association of Australia (VAA) are visiting Federal MPs this week, advocating for sensible consumer regulations of vaping products. The primary focus of the VAA is to push MPs to address the escalating black market vaping epidemic and emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive regulations that prioritize consumer safety and responsible vaping practices. The VAA Chairman, Rhys Callender said "Our organisation is walking the halls of parliament house this week to highlight the positive impact vaping can have on public health, whilst trying to provide a proven regulatory solution to the out of control vaping black market we are seeing in Australia. It's not rocket science, the government just needs to follow the lead of New Zealand and regulate vaping. Our message is clear: “The government needs to legalise and regulate vapes just like our neighbours have. It's the only policy proven tocrush the black market." The VAA has criticised plans by Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler, to double down on what the VAA believe is an already failed policy: “Mark Butler is just doubling down on a policy introduced by Greg Hunt. A policy that has already failed and has led to a five fold increase in youth vaping. By any metric, this policy has been an abysmal failure. Meanwhile youth vaping rates are declining in New Zealand where vapes areregulated as a consumer product"The VAA is calling for a consumer regulation framework that includes: Age verification measures, strict quality control standards, and appropriate product labeling to ensure that vaping products are used responsibly and do not reach underage individuals. The VAA also stressed the significance of robust licensing and registration processes for vape businesses, which can contribute to better oversight and regulation of the industry. “Our organisation will continue to fight for these sensible, proven measures that will not only crush the vaping black market but protect kids from dodgy disposable dealers selling Chinese vapes to teenagers" The VAA is committed to continuing the dialogue with federal MPs and Senators to advance the cause of sensible regulations for vaping products. They will actively contribute their expertise and insights to support evidence-based decision-making and facilitate a robust legislative environment that aligns with international best practices. If you are in the media & wish to discuss this further with the VAA, please DM me for further contact details.