The Minns Labor Government is taking proactive steps to stop the sale of illegal vapes and educate young people on the serious risks of vaping.

We know that vaping can cause serious health problems for people and our communities. Vaping can lead to nicotine addiction, lung damage, nicotine poisoning and injuries from device explosions.

In Australia, one third of our kids aged between fourteen to seventeen have used an e-cigarette. What is even worse is that almost half of people aged 18 to 24 are currently using vapes.

There is no shying away from these disturbing statistics. Vaping is ruining the life of too many without the proper measures being taken to protect people from their adverse effects.

Ask any parent and they will tell you that vapes are pervasive in our local community.

Something must be done.

That is why the Minns Labor Government is now taking steps to stop the sale of illegal vapes and help young people with their addiction.

I have invested $6.8 million dollars to tackle the sale of illegal vapes and increase the support kids get when they are trying to quit.

As Premier of NSW, the safety and health of our children is my number one priority.

That is why I am taking a serious and extensive approach to the issue of vaping. My Government has created a vaping guide to help teachers and educate students on the serious dangers of vaping.

My message to the people of NSW is that vapes can have harmful impacts, especially on young people’s growing brains and bodies and the State Labor Government will continue to stop retailers who illegally sell nicotine vapes.