Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett MP welcomed support from Australian Health Ministers today for coordinated action on vaping to protect young Australians.
"Tasmania has been disproportionately impacted by tobacco use for generations, placing significant pressure on our healthcare system, Minister Barnett said.
"Today marks an important milestone as we commit, nationally, to drive reforms that will help to improve the health outcomes for Tasmanians."
"I look forward to working with my State Parliamentary colleagues to address this concerning trend amongst young Tasmanians," Minister Barnett said.
CEO of Cancer Council Tasmania, Alison Lai commended the leadership demonstrated by Australian Health Ministers in their unanimous support for this coordinated action to address vaping.
"We know there's been an exponential rise in vaping among young Tasmanians, with 1 in 3 having ever vaped," she said.
"We have a world-leading opportunity, through the passing of this legislation, to end the flood of these harmful products into our community and protect future generations."
A range of supports are available nationally to help people quit smoking and the use of vapes, including programs run through state and territory health services, Quitline, widely available nicotine replacement therapies, and smoking cessation products subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
