The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has accused David Littleproud and the Nationals of favouring tobacco industry advice over health professionals in the debate on vaping regulations. With an important parliamentary vote on the government’s anti-vaping measures imminent, AMA President Prof Steve Robson has condemned the Nationals’ proposal to regulate vapes in the same way as cigarettes, calling it a “tax grab” that neglects Australian health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a forthright letter to Littleproud<\/a>, Robson underscored the dangers associated with nicotine vapes, which can include harmful substances like acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, benzene, and heavy metals such as nickel and lead\u2014many of which are known carcinogens. It is important to note that these dangerous chemicals are mainly found in illicit or disposable vapes, not in licensed e-liquids from regulated manufacturers<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Robson stressed that delaying action until more evidence emerges would result in significant public health risks, effectively benefitting the vaping and tobacco industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n David Littleproud responded by acknowledging the health risks of nicotine but criticised the AMA for lacking expertise in regulation and border control. The proposed government legislation<\/a> seeks to prohibit the domestic production, advertisement, supply, and commercial possession of non-therapeutic vapes, making them available only through a doctor’s prescription as a smoking cessation tool. This follows previous legislation that banned the importation of vapes and increased enforcement activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNationals’ Position and Legislative Proposals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n