Tasmania set to get strongest vaping restrictions in the country in plan to override 'watered-down' federal law
Tasmania could be set to have the strictest laws in the country for the sale of vapes or e-cigarettes. The Tasmanian government wants to lead the nation on vaping laws, sticking with stricter rules the federal government had tried to put in place.
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00:00Since the start of July, nicotine vapes in Australia have been regulated as therapeutic
00:07goods, meaning they're only available at pharmacies to help people quit smoking or
00:11manage nicotine dependence.
00:13It's illegal for any other business, like convenience stores, to sell any type of vape
00:18or vape product.
00:20Currently anyone who wants to buy a vape needs a prescription, but that will change from
00:24the start of October.
00:26From then, anyone over 18 will be able to buy one without a prescription.
00:31Under 18s will still need one.
00:33So what does Tasmania want to do?
00:35Well, the proposed laws would continue to require adults to have a prescription.
00:40Under 18s would be banned from buying vape products.
00:44This was the proposal that would apply across Australia.
00:48Unfortunately, the federal government has let us down and has watered down those vaping
00:54reforms.
00:56We don't support that.
00:57We are stepping up to protect the health and welfare of the Tasmanian people.
01:02This is not the first time Tasmania has gone its own way with anti-smoking laws.
01:07In 2006, it was the first Australian state to introduce a total indoor smoking ban.
01:13It was followed by other states and territories.
01:16Tasmania's health minister hopes that happens again.
01:18Absolutely.
01:19I mean, all the health ministers of Australia supported this proposal, literally, back in
01:26May.
01:27We very much welcome that Tasmanian pharmacists won't be put in that difficult position to
01:32be providing potentially harmful vapes to the community.
01:36The Tasmanian government will introduce legislation into parliament in the coming weeks.