The Albanese government has announced sweeping new changes to Australia’s vaping laws, which will see the products continue to be sold, but only in pharmacies.
To secure the support of the Greens in the Senate, Labor has agreed to backtrack on its prescription-only model.
From July 1, vapes containing nicotine can only be legally sold in pharmacies to people with a prescription. From October 1st, you won’t need a prescription unless you’re under 18.
What are these new laws trying to achieve? The Briefing podcast asked Greens leader Adam Bandt:
Greens Leader Adam Bandt said vaping is a serious public health problem that particularly impacts children.
Bandt described vapes as “Products directly marketed to [children] with flavours and colours that are designed to be attractive.”
Vapes will be regulated and subject to plain packaging requirements, with flavours limited to mint, menthol or tobacco.
“Prohibition doesn’t work. The idea of politicians saying to adults you can’t take or use this particular drug, hasn’t turned out that well historically,” said Bandt said.
“How do you ensure that you’re looking after Children’s Health, but at the same time respecting individual adults’ liberties and not treating them as criminals?”
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