Nationals leader David Littleproud has announced the Coalition has backed the"sensible solution" put forward 12 months ago to regulate vapes similar to cigarettes and tobacco products to protect Australian children.
Health Minister Mark Butler said pharmacies would not be forced to sell vapes after backlash from the industry and complaints from pharmacists who objected to being treated as tobacconists. “Of course pharmacies aren’t owned by the government so they can’t be directed by the government what they sell,” Mr Butler said.“This will be a decision by individual pharmacies.”
Mr Littleproud said in a statement the Coalition was announcing a “bigger investment”, pledging $250 million – “or 10 times more than Labor” – in policing and enforcing the proposed vape laws.The Nationals leader said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia was “rightfully angry” that Labor had “blindsided” them and placed the onus on them to control the sale of vaping products.