Anthony Albanese calls young Aussies 'revolting' for this common habit

Anthony Albanese has blasted a common habit among young Aussies, labelling the act of smoking cigarettes and vaping as 'revolting'.

The Prime Minister didn't hold back on his concerns about the growing trend of vaping among young Aussies as his government ramps up its crackdown on the ban of disposable single use and non-therapeutic vapes.

New legislation introduced on January 1 bans the sale of nicotine vapes in specialised retailers and convenience stores where Aussies now need to get a prescription from their GP to buy one at a chemist.

Mr Albanese appeared on ABC Radio Brisbane's afternoon program on Wednesday, where he was keen to hear high profile scientist and radio presenter Dr Karl Kruszelnicki's expert thoughts on vaping and the health effects.

He was asked by program host Katherine Feeney if he'd ever smoked a cigarette or vape when he was younger.

'No, I haven't, actually, and I find it a revolting habit,' Mr Albanese replied.

'When I was young, I was someone who was never attracted towards it. 

'But of course, heaps of my friends, when I was at school, it was pretty common that you would try cigarette smoking. 

'But it has gone out of fashion and that's a good thing. And it's of concern that this new element has come in.'

Mr Albanese said vaping was an issue raised with him nationwide, including a visit to northern NSW earlier in the day.

'I was in Ballina on the NSW north coast, which is about vapes, and vapes are seen by some as being pretty neutral and okay,' he told Dr Karl.

'What science is out there about why vapes, in my view, are not good for you, particularly for young lungs - as a whole lot of young people seem to be taking up this new habit?'

Illegal vape manufacturers and suppliers could face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to $2.2m under a new wave of anti-vaping laws introduced by the federal government in March

The government has also launched a $250,000 partnership with Spotify, social media influencers and sports stars as part of its anti-vaping program targeted at young Aussies.

Mr Albanese conceded that some have already gotten around Australia's world-first crackdown on vaping.

'There is already a black market and we are clamping down on that,' he said.

'My gut instinct was that it can't be good for you, putting something fake into your lungs. 

'But in particular, I just think that the way that some of these vapes are being marketed with kids basically, descriptions, things that appeal to very young people, bright colours and cartoons and stuff like that, is a real indication of who it's being aimed at. 

'And I've been stunned by how quickly, it's just really the last few years. But it is increasingly the case that it's being raised by teachers, by parents and by kids themselves too, saying, 'you know, my friends are all engaging in this vaping and how can we do something about it?''

Mr Albanese's strict stance on vaping sparked a divided response from Aussies.

'There goes the Gen Z vote!' one quipped.

Another commented: 'You know what's revolting? Albo aiding and abetting genocide.'

Others didn't care what the prime minister thought.

'Love a good vape, and will continue whether legal or not,' one said.

Another added: 'Maybe nobody actually cares whether or not you've ever smoked?'