Peter Georgiou (WA, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before I move the motion I wish to add the names of Senator Hanson and Senator Bernardi. I, and also on behalf of Senators Leyonhjelm, Hanson and Bernardi, move:

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges that:

(i) smoking is the largest preventable cause of death in Australia,

(ii) successive Commonwealth Governments have used increased excise levels as the primary mechanism to deter smokers from maintaining their habit,

(iii) there is growing evidence that vaping has helped many smokers to quit, and

(iv) a growing number of countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand have already legalised vaping;

(b) notes that:

(i) a recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare survey found that, despite the Government's policy to reduce smoking rates, the national smoking rate had, in fact, not declined in the period 2013-16,

(ii) last month, the CSIRO released a study confirming e-cigarettes assisted smokers in quitting,

(iii) a poll conducted by the Australian Retailers Association showed 61% of Australians support the legalisation of vaping and e-cigarettes, and

(iv) despite the above, under current Australian law, it is illegal to purchase, possess or use liquid nicotine for vaping without a prescription from a registered Australian medical practitioner; and

(c) calls on the Federal Government to immediately introduce legislation to legalise the sale, possession and use of liquid nicotine without restriction.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

E-cigarette regulation is a shared responsibility between the Commonwealth and the state and territory governments. The current regulatory framework draws on existing legislation and regulations that may apply to tobacco products, therapeutic goods, poisons and consumer goods. The government takes an evidence based approach to these matters and will be commissioning some additional research to help inform policymaking in this area.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 1160, moved by Senator Georgiou, be agreed to.

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a very short statement on that previous motion.

Leave not granted.

Who denied leave?

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A Labor senator.

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm seeking leave to make a short statement on the motion that we just voted against.

Leave not granted.