The Greens have successfully negotiated amendments to the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 that will see incoming vaping laws relaxed.
The initial bill provided for a prescription-only model that meant vapes would require a doctor’s approval, however, the Greens argued for several changes.
Under the new agreement, vapes will be sold without the need for a prescription for adults over 18. Data on purchases will not be collected.
People under 18 will be able to access vapes but only with a doctor’s certificate.
According to the Greens’ amendments, possession of personal use quantities will not be subject to criminal charges and an eight-month grace period will apply.
More than 400,000 Australian teenagers reported vaping at least once a month in the past year, according to the Cancer Council.
Greens Deny Watering Down Legislation
Greens spokesman for health, Senator Jordon Steele-John, denied the party had been responsible for watering down legislation, and that the party was concerned with increased vaping rates among children.“The Greens do not support prohibition, that is why we have successfully secured changes to this legislation to ensure that vapes remain out of the hands of kids, but adults can access them via a pharmacy, and there’s no chance of individuals being criminalised for possessing a personal vape,” he said in a statement.
“The Greens will support the amended legislation.”
Professor Yuben Moodley, deputy director at Australia’s Institute for Respiratory Health, said the tremendous strides made against tobacco smoking were in the midst of being undone by vaping.
Mr. Moodley said online and social media purchasing was a factor for young people in accessing the devices.
“The tobacco industry’s tactics are sophisticated, and while our current regulations are robust, we must adapt to the realities of online access and buying vapes through social media platforms,” he said in a statement.
“More education and online regulations are essential to prevent our youth from falling into the trap of nicotine addiction.”
Australian Medical Association President Steve Robson told ABC Radio laws against selling vape products to young people could fail because older Australians could simply pass them on.
The Pharmacy Guild spoke against the move to make vapes a pharmacy product, saying there was limited evidence of their use in helping people quit smoking.
Bill Not Perfect, But Necessary: Health Bodies
The Cancer Council, however, has pushed for the bill to be accepted.“For every week parliament waits, the equivalent of an additional school of students steps down the path to a future of nicotine addiction and harm,” Cancer Council Tobacco Issues Committee Chair Alecia Brooks said in a statement to The Epoch Times.
“These are students as young as 12, vaping in their first year of high school.”
The group says vapes are not safe to use and can cause addiction, poisoning, acute nicotine toxicity and lung injury.
Other complications can include cell death and damage to DNA.
Lung Foundation CEO Mark Brooke noted the “significant amendments” negotiated by the Greens, but said the bill was still the closest shot at reducing rates of use in young people.
“This bill may not be perfect, but we cannot wait for perfect,” he said.
“The status quo free-for-all vape market is a disaster for the health of Australians.”
