The decision by health minister Greg Hunt delights doctors but outrages Liberal and National backbenchers
Coalition MPs including George Christensen have revolted against Greg Hunt’s unilateral decision to ban the personal importation of liquid nicotine for vaping from 1 July.
The decision, made by the health minister on Friday after parliament rose for a six-week adjournment, delighted doctors groups but has outraged Liberal and National backbenchers who favour legalisation of vaping.
On Wednesday, Christensen said the ban could mean fines of up to $200,000 for those who break the law and import liquid nicotine without a prescription.
“This was all done without any consultation with the public or many government MPs including myself,” he said on Facebook.
“I completely oppose the move, which could result in people returning to cigarettes or purchasing potentially dangerous alternatives on the black market.”
The Liberal senator James Paterson told Guardian Australia his views “remain unchanged”.
“Vaping is a safer alternative to smoking,” he said. “We should be making it easier for smokers to quit, not harder.
“We should safely regulate vaping like virtually every other developed nation has done.”
Paul Karp – The Guardian – June 24, 2020.
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