Page 946 - Week 03 - Thursday, 10 March 2016
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
There is currently insufficient evidence to conclude whether e-cigarettes can benefit smokers in quitting, or about the extent of their potential harms. It is recommended that health authorities act to minimise harm until evidence of safety, quality and efficacy can be produced.
With this bill, the ACT government is acting to regulate personal vaporisers in line with traditional tobacco products until further evidence on their efficacy and safety becomes available. Currently in the ACT the sale of personal vaporisers that contain nicotine is illegal without approval under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008. The sale of nicotine-free personal vaporisers is not prohibited under public health laws, provided no therapeutic claim is made. Only products registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration may carry a therapeutic claim.
As new products and further scientific evidence relating to personal vaporisers become available, there may be a need to review the restrictions that apply to the devices or particular models. In the interim, this bill moves to protect children and young people, our future generations, from the possible harms associated with personal vaporiser use.
This bill marks another important milestone in achieving the ACT government’s goal to improve public health and protect the community from tobacco-related harm. I am proud to say that it will, therefore, enable a cleaner, healthier Canberra for future generations to come. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Debate (on motion by Mr Hanson) adjourned to the next sitting.
Administration and Procedure—Standing Committee
Statement by chair
MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to Standing Order 246A, I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure in response to the resolution of the Assembly of 18 February 2016 which referred proposed amendments to the standing orders to allow for the co-sponsorship of bills to the committee for its consideration.
The committee discussed the proposed amendments which would allow more than one member to sponsor a bill to be presented to the Assembly. The committee supported the proposed changes to standing orders, noting that with an enlarged Assembly from October 2016, the changes support the possibility of collaborative approaches to the development of legislation.
Estimates 2016-2017—Select Committee
Membership
MADAM SPEAKER: I have been notified in writing of the following nominations for membership of the Select Committee on Estimates 2016-17: Ms Burch, Mr Doszpot, Mr Hinder and Mr Smyth.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video