Thursday, 19 October 2023

E-cigarettes

Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (18:44): (538) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health. The introduction of vape products has caught the government on the back foot. The action I seek is for the minister to consider introducing new policies to deal with the illegal sale of vaping products with nicotine. There is currently a nationwide ban on the retail sale of vaping products containing nicotine. A vape with nicotine can only be bought with a prescription. However, shops are allowed to sell vapes that do not contain nicotine. The problem is that many shops are illegally selling vapes that do have nicotine, but the packaging does not state that they contain nicotine and does not say who the manufacturer is or where the vape has come from. These illegal vapes have become very popular, even with children using and becoming addicted to them. Extra steps are required to protect children from these products.

New laws were recently introduced in South Australia that require retailers to provide information about their suppliers and show proof that any vape product that it sells is nicotine free. Concerned parents and my constituents would like to see a similar measure implemented in Victoria. So I ask: is the minister aware of the South Australian new laws, and will the minister consider following their example to protect the health of our children?