FROM Monday next week, it will be unlawful to supply, manufacture, import, and sell a vape outside of a pharmacy, according to the Federal Health Minister Mark Butler (pictured).
He commented that these laws protect young Australians and the broader community from the impact of recreational vaping, while ensuring that those who require access to a therapeutic vape for help to quit smoking, can get one from their local pharmacy.
The government now hopes that the Opposition "supports these world-leading reforms and that this bill can be met with multi-partisan support," Butler added.
"Peter Dutton was dragged kicking and screaming to support Labor's world-leading cigarette plain packaging laws 12 years ago and countless Australian lives have since been saved.
"He and all Liberal Senators now have a choice: will they side with the Nationals and big tobacco against the concerns of parents and teachers?
"Or will they join with a majority of the Parliament in protecting the health of young Australians for generations to come?
"The best time to have done this was five years ago, the second-best time is right now," asserted Butler.
As the bill continues its passage through Parliament today, general media and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia have indicated that the Coalition may not oppose the legislation, and so the proposed amendments to appease the Greens are "no longer required".
"The original bill now has the necessary political and stakeholder support to pass the Senate," said a Guild spokesperson.
TerryWhite Chemmart, Priceline, National Pharmacies, Blooms and Pharmacy 777, alongside thousands of independent pharmacies, have expressed their opposition to nicotine-containing vapes being available without a prescription, he added.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia too is against the proposed Greens' amendments.
By contrast, the original bill to restrict nicotine-containing vapes as Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) had the support of 63 patient, healthcare and school groups including the Australian Medical Association, the Cancer Council, Lung Foundation Australia, the Public Health Association of Australia, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
"Nicotine-containing vapes are not listed as a therapeutic product, this week or after a dirty Senate deal, and if the Parliament has a genuine consultation a sensible outcome is possible," Butler added. JG
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