The Albanese government has watered down its proposed vaping laws and struck a deal with the Greens to introduce a world-first ban.
From Monday 1 July, it will be unlawful to supply, manufacture, import, or sell a vape outside of a pharmacy setting.
The government agreed to adjust its proposed restrictions that would have required adults to have a prescription to buy a vape.
Under the legislation, vapes will only be available behind the pharmacy counter and will not be available to under-18s unless they have a prescription from a doctor.
“These laws protect young Australians and the broader community from the harms of recreational vaping, while ensuring that those who really need access to a therapeutic vape for help to quit smoking can get one from their local pharmacy,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.
The laws will be debated in parliament later this week.
Peak body for pharmacies criticises new vape deal
The new deal drew criticism from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia which wants prescriptions to remain in place, arguing pharmacists were healthcare professionals who dispensed medication that had a proven therapeutic benefit.
“Vaping has long-term patient harms, including cancer, lung-scarring and nicotine addiction,” a guild spokesperson said.
“There is limited evidence to support the use of vaping products for smoking cessation and nicotine dependence.
“The Senate’s expectation that community pharmacies become vape retailers, and vape garbage collectors, is insulting.”