Pharmacy Daily | Senate inquiry hearing on vaping bill

THE Senate's Community Affairs Legislation Committee is holding a two-day inquiry into the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024, which is currently under discussion in Federal Parliament. The inquiry, which concludes today, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, health professional bodies, government and private health agencies, academics, health commentators, retail enterprises, and vaping user representative groups. Among the notable speakers were Wilhelm David, CEO, From the Fields Pharmaceutical, David Burns, Director Sales and Marketing, Bay Pharma, Richard Lee, CEO, Liber Pharmaceuticals (pictured top L-R). From the Fields CEO Wilhelm David said, "our main points to the inquiry included supporting the definition of therapeutic vapes as opposed to recreational vapes, advocating a continuation of simple fruit flavours, and asking for the continued use of single-use disposable therapeutic vaping products". "We call for the ability of medical practitioners and pharmacies to appropriately market, promote and advertise the products and service of smoking cessation that includes therapeutic nicotine vaping products, including at the point of sale and in GP clinics," said David. The three companies are integral to the therapeutic vaping product industry in Australia, particularly for smoking cessation. The bill was referred by the Senate to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee on 27 Mar, aiming to overhaul the regulatory framework for vaping products. Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler underscored the bill's goals during his speech in Parliament, aligning it with Australia's public health objectives to reduce adult smoking rates from 11% down to 5% by 2030. The Senate Committee is expected to report its findings and recommendations to Parliament by 08 May, as the Federal Government looks to pass the legislation with these new initiatives effective from 01 Jul this year. JG

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PD for Thu 02 May 2024 - Senate inquiry hearing on vaping reforms bill, Pfizer's heart drug on PBS, Glaucoma research grants open, Beauty & Wellness, and more