The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is vigorously pushing for the Australian Parliament in Canberra to enact legislation aimed at curbing e-cigarette use, with a vote anticipated in June. The proposed ban by the Australian Labor Party on importing and commercially owning e-cigarettes faces significant challenges.
The Australian National Party is pushing for e-cigarettes to be regulated similarly to tobacco—without requiring prescriptions—while also enforcing the same packaging and tax regulations. Meanwhile, the Australian Liberal Party, under the influence of smaller coalition partners, exhibits mixed reactions. Peter Dutton has shown dissatisfaction with the ban, whereas Sarah Henderson, Minister for Market Education, and others have publicly denounced e-cigarette use as a “menace” in schools.
Despite differing views within the coalition, cooperation with the Greens often presents a reliable pathway in the Senate. In May, Jordon Steele-John, the Greens’ health spokesperson, backed a survey report advocating for the bill’s passage but stressed that the Greens oppose outright bans on e-cigarettes for adults, suggesting a focus on non-criminalization in possession, smoking cessation support, and restricted advertising to healthcare professionals.
The AMA’s President, Steve Robson, expressed frustration with lawmakers’ responsiveness to tobacco industry lobbying over health advocacy. He criticized the National Party’s preference for taxation over an outright ban on non-prescription e-cigarettes and challenged the Greens’ commitment to prioritizing the well-being of children.
Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted the historical context at the National Press Club, noting the entrenched nature of tobacco use compared to the relatively new emergence of e-cigarettes. He emphasized the critical opportunity to address e-cigarette issues proactively before they become as ingrained as tobacco habits.
Butler advocated for a balanced approach to legislation, stressing the importance of protecting children from e-cigarettes without imposing overly harsh regulations that could lead to criminalization.
