Thursday, 16 November 2023

Northern Victoria Region

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (12:38): (564) The Minister for Health would be aware that vaping is on the rise, and concerns have been raised by local families that many e-cigarettes are targeting young people with their bright colours and enticing flavours. Under current legislation vendors are bypassing the law and accessing these products on the black market. It is illegal to buy or sell e-cigarettes that contain nicotine without a prescription or to sell these products to children. I know of many young people who have taken up vaping despite the dangers to their health. More than 3.5 million Australians aged 14 and older smoke or vape, according to research released by the Cancer Council Victoria. Supermarkets face very strict restrictions to operate and sell nicotine products, yet vaping shops are popping up in Bendigo and across Northern Victoria without the same scrutiny. The federal government has stepped up to outlaw the importation of non-prescription vaping products. According to news reports, there has been a massive increase in the number of suspected illegal tobacconists operating in Victoria. While schools, local councils and health services struggle to prevent this surge in vaping, can the minister please advise what the state government is doing to keep our kids safe and protect them from the harms of vaping?