THE CURRENT SENATE VAPING INQUIRY is a real opportunity for change policy. There is growing support for vaping reform in federal Parliament. We think a majority of senators understand that the current model has failed. The deadline for submissions is COB 12 April 2024.
The vaping bill before parliament is intended to ban “the importation, domestic manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertisement of vaping goods”. Overall, the goal is to reduce youth vaping and provide prescription access for adult smokers.
However, this model will fail even with the final proposed changes. It has fuelled youth vaping, failed adult smokers and created a thriving and dominant black market controlled by criminals. See here for more
A better approach is for the bill to be amended to an adult consumer framework with strict age verification, with vapes sold like cigarettes and alcohol.
Here are some thought starters to assist in preparing your submission. It is best to be concise and keep your submission brief, no more than several pages.
Introduction
Start by briefly describing who you are and the difficulty you had quitting smoking. Explain how vaping helped you quit and how it has benefited your health and finances.
The current model is not working
Explain why, in your opinion, the current prescription-only model is not working, and why it will not work even with modifications and further enforcement. Reasons could include
Few doctors provide nicotine prescriptions or support for vaping. Is your doctor willing and able to prescribe nicotine?
Getting a script is costly and difficult
Very few pharmacies stock products that have helped you quit. Are there any suppliers near you?
Why you think vapes should be a consumer product (like cigarettes), not a medicine or “therapeutic product” requiring a prescription
How flavour restrictions may affect you
Are you at-risk of going back to smoking?
Do you think vapers will follow the restrictions (be careful not to incriminate yourself)
Your concerns about being able to access safe, regulated vaping products under the current model
The current model has fuelled youth vaping. This is the direct result of the black market
Your concerns that criminal gangs have taken over the market, creating a frightening crime wave (firebombings, murders, extortion)
History shows prohibition never works. Illegal products will still enter the country and the black market will just go underground. Enforcement and policing are ineffective.
Better regulation
Discuss why a different regulatory framework would work better. For example, under New Zealand’s model, nicotine vapes are sold as adult consumer products from licensed retail outlets with strict age verification. Vape shops can provide expert advice, support, and a wider range of products. Licensed retailers are unlikely to sell to kids if there is a risk of losing their licence and paying large fines. There is no significant black market in New Zealand.
Why would this model be better for you? Would it give you better access to safe, regulated, approved products?
How would it reduce youth vaping and the black market?
How would it help the economy, providing employment and tax revenue?
Why the government should support adult smokers, not just focus on youth vaping
Vaping should be at least as easy to access as deadly cigarettes
Your human right to choose a safer alternative to smoking to improve your health
Making your submission
The deadline for submissions is Friday, 12 April 2024.
Here is the committee’s inquiry page for more information: Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 [Provisions] – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)