Liam McNally
Melton council is lobbying the lobbying state and federal governments to enact stronger laws around the importation and sale of e-cigarettes.
During the Monday, February 27 council meeting, deputy mayor Julie Shannon raised concerns about e-cigarettes, especially their use by adolescents following a recent Cancer Council report.
The report stated the evidence for e-cigarettes as cessation aids to help you quit smoking is “inconclusive” and that the Therapeutic Goods Administration “has not approved any e-cigarette product as a cessation aid to help with quitting smoking”.
The report also raises concerns e-cigarettes may lead to the use of tobacco cigarettes among adolescents, stating studies have shown e-cigarette users were “more than three times more likely than non-e-cigarette users to subsequently become tobacco smokers”.
Cr Shannon moved for council to write to relevant federal ministers requesting the federal government prevent electronic nicotine products being imported into Australia, or ensure strong regulations are in place.
She also moved for council to write to state ministers requesting the state government review and consider stronger laws around the selling of these products, and that council review its own laws and policies “in line with up to date information on the harm of these products”.
The Cancer Council report advises the short and long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are currently being researched, however they may expose users to chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, particulate matter and flavouring chemicals, at levels that have the potential to cause adverse health effects.
Cr Steve Abboushi said you only need to walk through a reserve after a Melton sporting event to see “used vape products all over the fields”.
“It is very important, I think the government needs to do more, to protect, and to reduce the harm to our community and to our young people,” he said.
As of 2021, Australians need a prescription to legally access liquids containing nicotine for use with e-cigarettes, and their importation is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The TGA has recently completed a period of public consultation on potential reforms to the regulation of vaporiser nicotine products (VNP) in Australia.
A state government spokesperson said ministers from all jurisdictions have agreed that “a united approach is needed and are working closely on a national approach”.
“At the same time we are developing options for strengthening compliance and enforcement in Victoria,” the spokesperson said.
“We need stronger enforcement of border controls to prevent the importation of illicit products, banning of disposable products that are attractive to young people, the introduction of online advertising restrictions, and consistent and clear product ingredient and labelling controls of all vaping products.”
