Federal govt takes next step on vaping crackdown

Mark Butler has introduced legislation in Federal Parliament which would ban the sale of single-use and non-therapeutic vapes, vowing not to "allow another generation of Australians to be lured into addiction".

The Health Minister announced the crackdown on the supply of vapes in May 2023, and Australia has already banned the import of single-use and non-therapeutic vapes.

The newest legislation is the centrepiece of the government's vaping reforms, and if passed, would ban the importation, manufacture, supply and commercial possession of vapes.

People would still be able to access vapes in pharmacies, with a script from a doctor or nurse practitioner.

Parliamentarians will now consider the new laws, with Mr Butler hopeful it will garner the support to pass and be in effect by the middle of the year.

The Liberals are still considering the legislation, and have not revealed their stance on it yet. They say they are concerned about legislation fuelling "black market" access to vapes.

The Nationals have criticised the government's prescription model, arguing it is not working.

They are developing their own policy which would propose to regulate the sale of vapes, and say they will review the government's legislation "in detail".

Legislation passed in December 2023 also introduced stronger rules for advertising and packaging of vapes, due to kick in from April.

"I really urge my parliamentary colleagues to consider support for this bill," Mr Butler said on Thursday morning.

"We know it is a significant change, we know it will be hard fought.

"Every substantial advance in tobacco control over the last five decades has been fought hard by those who profit from this industry.

"Whether it's big tobacco itself or some of the retailers who are also out there, urging us to raise the white flag and simply accept vapes as part of the Australian way of life.

"Well, I don't think we can do that."