## Health Ministers Back Proposed Vaping Bans
Health ministers from across Australia have thrown their support behind the federal government's proposed vaping bans. They argue that e-cigarettes are being used as a tool to recruit new smokers, particularly among young people.
The government is currently negotiating a bill in parliament that would ban the import, manufacture, and sale of vapes outside of pharmacies. The aim is to have the new laws in place by July 1st, 2024.
## Concerns and Opposition
The proposed laws have faced some opposition, particularly from within the Nationals party. They argue that vapes should be tightly controlled and banned for minors, but widely available to adults in convenience stores and supermarkets, similar to cigarettes and alcohol.
The Greens have also expressed concerns about the practicality of a prescription-based model for accessing vapes. They believe that while the current situation is problematic, there are questions about whether a prescription-only approach is the best solution.
Independent senator Tammy Tyrell has also voiced her opposition to the proposed bans, arguing that they are too restrictive on those trying to quit smoking. She believes that adults should have the right to make their own choices about using vapes.
## Government's Rationale
The government maintains that vapes are being marketed directly at young people and that a radically different approach is needed. They argue that the proposed laws are not a complete ban on vapes, but rather a regulation of them as therapeutic goods. This means that vapes would only be available with a prescription and sold through a pharmacy.
The government also points to the success of earlier import restrictions introduced this year, which have blocked hundreds of thousands of vapes from entering the country. They believe that the planned additional bill will further strengthen these efforts by targeting all non-therapeutic vapes.
## Ongoing Debate
The proposed vaping bans are currently before a Senate committee. The government is working to convince parliamentarians to support the bill, while various concerns and alternative approaches are being debated. The final outcome of this debate remains to be seen.