Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Health, Senator Cash. During the health policy election debate, Minister Hunt referred to a decision by the United States Food and Drug Administration to authorise a smoke-free nicotine-delivery product on the basis that it was appropriate for the protection of public health as a public health disaster. Commissioner Gottlieb of the FDA referred to the need to redouble efforts to protect kids from all nicotine-containing products but also said:

… I also hope that we can all see the potential benefits to addicted cigarette smokers, in a properly regulated marketplace, of products capable of delivering nicotine without having to set tobacco on fire.

Given the government's failure to address Australia's stagnant smoking rates, will the government commit to understanding and implementing a system to review and approve products appropriate for the protection of public health?