Commercial solariums banned across Australia, but illegal operations flourish online
Despite bans on commercial solariums in most Australian states and territories, illegal tanning operations remain easy to find and book through social media, with enforcement efforts showing limited success. Victoria banned solariums in 2015 following the death of a young melanoma campaigner, and most other states have since adopted similar bans, though the Northern Territory has not. The persistence of underground operations highlights gaps in enforcement despite health warnings about the dangers of UV radiation from tanning beds.
Commercial solariums are illegal across most of Australia, yet users report they remain easy to access through social media platforms and private messaging. Operations range from single machines in suburban garages to hidden setups in legitimate businesses like hair salons and smoothie shops. Victoria pioneered the ban in 2015 after the death of 26-year-old Clare Oliver, who had campaigned about melanoma risks, and all states except the Northern Territory have since followed. Enforcement has been inconsistent: Victoria seized over 40 beds and prosecuted 19 operators since the ban, but no charges were laid in the past two years. NSW recently increased penalties in August 2025, raising on-the-spot fines to $10,000 for corporations, while other states reported minimal prosecutions. Users like Jess report regular weekly sessions despite the legal risks, citing aesthetic preferences, though she maintains regular skin checks.
What's missing
The article does not provide epidemiological data on melanoma incidence or mortality trends in Australia since the solarium bans were implemented, which would help assess the public health impact of enforcement efforts. Additionally, there is no information on the scale of the illegal market (estimated number of operations or users) or comparative data on solarium use and melanoma rates in jurisdictions with versus without bans.
What different sources said
- ABC AustraliaCenter
Commercial solariums are banned, but booking a session takes minutes
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