30 October 2024
The Greens have secured important protections for children under 18 years of age who participate in sting operations to check if businesses are illegally selling vapes or tobacco to minors.
The amendments to the Government’s Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products Bill, which passed the Upper House last night, were moved by Greens MLC Robert Simms and will ensure that young people involved in the operations must be aged 16 years or older, receive parental consent, and that standards must be in place to ensure their safety. The bill is part of a broader suite of reforms proposed by the State Government to crack down on the illicit vape and tobacco market.
“It’s important that the State Government is able to effectively investigate and take action against retailers who are breaking the law by selling harmful products to minors," said Mr Simms.
“The Greens raised concerns about the lack of detail around how the Government would ensure the safety of children used in sting operations when this bill was first announced. We welcome the fact that the Government has listened and provided support for the Greens’ amendments, which will ensure that there are appropriate safeguards in place to minimise risks to young people who participate in these operations. Importantly the Greens amendments strike the right balance, preserving the integrity of the Government’s scheme while protecting young people from harm.”