I raised some issues in my second reading speech, particularly around the Minister for Health and Ageing’s comments in recent weeks. Last week the minister gave a press conference and claimed that no users of e-cigarettes would be prosecuted in Australia. For the record, I repeat the direct quote of what the minister said at that press conference last Tuesday:
These are not measures targeting users. These are not measures that impose any penalty whatsoever on people that are using vapes. There is no penalty for people who use vapes.
Minister—through you, Chair—in my contribution to the second reading debate I raised the case of a 49-year-old gentleman in Western Australia who was charged in the WA Magistrates Court last Friday with the possession of a vape containing liquid nicotine. If the minister is claiming that no users will be penalised, how is it possible that just days after his statement an Australian was charged for that very crime in Western Australia?
