Vaping motion - Feb 2023
As a new Independent Member of Parliament, some have said ‘what can you actually do?’. I want to let you know how I’m using the tools that I have as a Parliamentarian, guided by the issues my community cares about. Each month, I will let you know about a parliamentary tool I’m using and how it is nudging change.
What is a Motion?
A ‘motion’ is a proposal put to the Parliament. Members can propose motions that are then debated in Parliament. This is a way to draw parliamentary attention to an issue of the day and call on the Government to respond.
Motion on Vaping
On 13 February, I proposed a motion in Parliament about vaping. I called on the Government to address the problems associated with increased access to and use of vapes, particularly among young people.
This motion was seconded by Dr Sophie Scamps MP, who is a doctor and an independent member for MacKellar in NSW. Another MP and doctor, Mike Freelander, also spoke on the issue.
I raised this for debate in Parliament after hearing growing concerns from my community and experts about how easy it is for kids to buy vapes over the counter.
In schools across Curtin, teachers are struggling to control vapes. They are doing their best with education, but the regulatory framework isn’t supporting them.
There's a loophole allowing users and retailers to import vapes from overseas if they are not labelled as nicotine. Labelling on imports is unreliable, which means that vapes containing nicotine are getting past customs and are being sold in convenience stores, petrol stations and online.
Rather than being used by smokers trying to quit, vapes are being used by previous non-smokers, especially young people. In the words of a 23-year-old constituent, 'Most of my friends vape and none of them were smokers before.'
Vapes are being targeted at kids. They come in flavours like cola, strawberry and watermelon. But as well as nicotine, vapes contain a range of chemicals and solvents, many of which are toxic or carcinogenic. We don't yet know about their long-term impacts, because they’re so new.
The tobacco industry has seen the potential for its future market and is now keen to promote vaping as well as cigarettes, including by funding pro-vaping research.
So, what can be done? To end the black market in vapes, we need a ban on importation and supply of all e-cigarette products, regardless of labelled nicotine content, except by pharmacies for smokers with a prescription. This way, we can then implement stronger border controls to intercept vapes.
The Therapeutic Goods Association has received public submissions on proposed reforms to the regulation of vapes. It’s now up to Health Minister Mark Butler to respond.
I will continue to follow this issue closely, ensuring that community concerns are heard by the Government. If you have thoughts on vaping or want to share your experience for future advocacy, please get in touch.
Related article: Vapes, gender and climate teals’ greatest hits (19 May 2023)
