South Australia has recently made headlines by passing groundbreaking legislation in an effort to create a smoke-free generation. The new laws, introduced by Independent MP Frank Pangallo, seek to ban the sale of cigarettes and vapes to individuals born after January 1, 2007, effectively prohibiting tobacco and e-cigarette purchases for this generation for life.
Pangallo believes this initiative will contribute to a tobacco-free future, taking inspiration from similar efforts in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The proposed legislation also aims to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 19 until the smoke-free generation provision is enacted, with severe penalties in place for violations.
Andrew Schultz from the Cancer Council emphasized the importance of this move, particularly in light of the rise in vape usage. The bill will now move to the lower house for further review and consideration by the government and opposition.