The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) stands firmly behind Health Minister Mark Butler and the third wave of Vaping Reforms. “We are committed to working closely with the Health Minister and the government to ensure these regulations are effectively enforced, safeguarding the health of Australians now and in the future,” affirms Thoracic Society CEO, Mr Vincent So. “TSANZ will be there every step of the way, offering our expertise and support to ensure the success of these essential vaping reforms.”
This renewed urgency follows the Senate’s impassioned speeches on the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024. The reforms, if enacted, will introduce stringent regulations on e-cigarette use.
It is vital that nicotine remains a controlled substance to prevent misuse and protect public health. E-cigarettes are not safe, and the vast majority of users do not intend to quit. This highlights how crucial these reforms are. This Bill is the final piece needed to ensure the prescription pathway for e-cigarettes functions as intended. This will prevent a new generation from falling into lifelong nicotine addiction and streamline the process for healthcare professionals to prescribe e-cigarettes in limited, clinically beneficial circumstances.
When individuals seek nicotine replacement therapy through their doctors, they are connected to comprehensive support programs that significantly enhance the likelihood of successfully managing nicotine addiction.
EPISODE 3 NOW AVAILABLE
LISTEN NOW FOR THE LOW DOWN ON HER2LOW TESTING
The down-scheduling of nicotine e-cigarettes to S3 Pharmacist Only, which will occur from October this year, will need to be carefully monitored and evaluated. Down-scheduling increases availability to e-cigarettes for adults but also removes the opportunity to access medical supports to those who need help quitting.
SUPPORT UNIQUE ONCOLOGY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
“This legislation is essential for public health protection,” TSANZ President Professor Holland explains. “It must be enacted to shield the younger generation from nicotine addiction’s harmful effects, while allowing healthcare providers to prescribe e-cigarettes when medically necessary.”
Since the plain packaging laws came into effect back in December 2012, there has been a decrease in smoking rates greater than if these regulations were never brought in, when variation in trends is taken into consideration. Despite claims from big tobacco that plain packaging would increase the illicit tobacco trade, there is little to no evidence supporting this. Australia’s plain packaging laws were a world first and have saved lives.
“Australia once again has the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the world in public health policy. The Senate has a chance to pass a bill that will save countless lives and prevent disability from vaping-related lung diseases”.
Mr So said, “While these compromise changes to the original Vaping Reforms Bill dilute the effectiveness of the S4 Prescription Only access to e-cigarettes, it is vital that this broadly supported Bill still passes. Inaction is a far worse outcome, and these reforms remain world leading.”
