Health Minister Michael Ferguson’s blatantly negative response to Labor’s sensible preventative health policies suggests he is happy to allow e-cigarettes to be sold to children.
Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White said Mr Ferguson’s bizarre position is not only at odds with health experts, but with Liberal governments in New South Wales and Western Australia which have banned the sale of e-cigarettes to children.
“Mike Baird believes it’s not good policy to sell e-cigarettes to minors but Michael Ferguson doesn’t see any need for change,” Ms White said.
New South Wales Health Minister Jillian Skinner said: “There is no conclusive evidence that e-cigarettes help people to quit smoking but there is concern that e-cigarettes pose potential risks to children, which is why the Bill we introduce today is so important.”
“The Liberal Government’s response to our policy announcement is irrational and shows that they have absolutely no commitment to preventive health.
“Our policy made no mention of introducing any new taxes but that didn’t stop Michael Ferguson making things up.
“Labor is willing to work with the Government to produce better health outcomes for young Tasmanians but the Liberals are only interested in politics.
“The two policy initiatives announced yesterday are in line with the views of the Cancer Council and Heart Foundation, but still the Liberals were willing to condemn them.
“If Mr Ferguson is genuine about wanting to improve the health of Tasmanians he should support our sensible policies.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Health Minister
