Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to address the urgent need for legislative action in response to the escalating crisis posed by vaping in Australia. The spread of vaping among our youth demands our immediate attention and robust intervention. The Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 presents a crucial opportunity to safeguard the health and well being of Australians, particularly our youngest. Recent data underscores the alarming surge in vaping across Australia, with a particularly concerning rise among adolescents and young adults. Data shows that approximately one in eight 12- to15-year-olds and one in five 16- to17-year-olds have engaged in vaping within the past month. Shockingly, 23 per cent began vaping at the age of 12 or younger.

These figures paint a stark picture of a growing public health crisis that needs action at all levels of government. In my electorate of Holt, where one in four people are below the age of 14, this is especially a concern for the parents I meet every single day. Disposable vapes have become readily accessible, further fuelling the problem among our youth. The sight of vape shops cropping up close to our children's schools has sparked concern among parents nationwide. These vapes are being sold alongside everyday items like chocolate bars and bubblegum in convenience stores, attracting children with flashy displays. The sales of vapes alongside snacks and lollies normalises vaping behaviour and increases the likelihood of youth experimentation and uptake. Even former state premiers have fallen victim to this scourge, with former New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet admitting to enjoying the occasional one, with his favourite flavour being mixed fruit.

As parents, educators and policymakers it is imperative that we address this concerning trend and implement measures to restrict the access of our young to vaping products. It is imperative that we confront these predatory practices and enact measures to protect our young people from falling victim to nicotine addiction and its health risks.

This bill represents the second stage of measures taken this year to address the risks posed by vaping. It follows an important ban under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1958 that commenced on 1 March 2024, for all vapes, unless those vapes are for therapeutic purposes and are accompanied by an import licence. The measures outlined in this bill build upon that foundation, providing a comprehensive framework for tackling the broader challenges associated with vaping. This legislation seeks to prohibit the importation, domestic manufacture, supply, advertising and commercial possession of non-therapeutic and disposable single-use vapes. By implementing strict regulations and penalties we aim to stem the tide of vaping related harm and safeguard the health of Australians, particularly our youth and young adults.

Crucially, it is important to emphasise that these reforms do not amount to a blanket ban on all vaping products.

Therapeutic vaping goods will remain available subject to rigorous regulation in line with other medication. The measures in this bill include regulating vapes under the Therapeutic Goods Act, imposing restrictions on advertising, introducing new offences and civil penalty provisions and enhancing compliance and enforcement powers. By strengthening our regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms we can effectively curb the illegal supply and promotion of vapes while upholding public health. By imposing significant penalties we send a clear message that the exploitation of children for profit will not be tolerated in this country.

In addition to regulatory measures, our approach to addressing vaping includes a range of complementary actions, including public health information campaigns and 'quit smoking' services. By adopting a multitargeted strategy we can effectively reduce the prevalence of vaping and protect the health and wellbeing of all Australians, especially our young ones—the leaders of the future. I commend this bill to the House.

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