19th Oct 2023, 10:51 AM – Representatives Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2023 - Report from Federation Chamber - Close loopholes

The majority voted against amendments introduced by Warringah MP Zali Steggall (Independent), which means they failed.

What do the amendments do?

These amendments are important to ensure that all the loopholes in relation to this bill are closed. The bill as currently drafted provides for exceptions when it comes to advertising in relation to those points of sale and in relation to advertising on airlines. It's not clear why the government intends to keep these loopholes open at this time. The government has indicated that it wishes to be hard on vaping. We know that the statistics are damning, that vaping is a serious risk to our young people and is leading to increasing rates of smoking amongst young people, which is incredibly concerning.

These amendments, while not dramatic, are nevertheless important in closing those loopholes. Amendment (4) is in relation to clause 67, which is quite extraordinary, I suggest to the House—that the government, whilst claiming to be going strong on vaping, is nonetheless allowing for an exception in this legislation such that sponsorship and political gifts from vape companies should remain allowable. ... The other amendments go essentially to areas of permitted publication where there are loopholes that have been left in the legislation.

Amendment text

(1) Clauses 57 and 58, page 53 (line 3) to page 56 (line 17), omit the clauses.

(2) Clause 60, page 57 (lines 1 to 16), omit the clause.

(3) Clause 63, page 58 (lines 3 to 11), omit the clause.

(4) Clause 67, page 63 (lines 2 to 30), omit the clause.