The Territory Labor Government is improving health legislation with amendments to the NT Tobacco Control Act passed in Parliament today.

The Bill aims to reduce the impact of smoking on the Territory community by discouraging the uptake of smoking, particularly by children.

It will support those who wish to quit smoking and reduces exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and introduces controls on new and emerging smoking technologies.

The amendments to the Tobacco Control Act and the Tobacco Control Regulations will:

• Regulate sale, supply, promotion and use of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette accessories;
• Allow for the products associated with e-cigarettes to be treated as conventional tobacco products (including heat not burn devices and accessories and similar devices);
• Implement a 10-metre smoke-free buffer from the boundary and entry area of community events and community facilities;
• Prohibit employees under the age of 18 from selling tobacco products in retail outlets;
• Prohibit cigarette vending machines (currently restricted for use in licensed premises only) from outlets that allow under 18-year-olds on premises.

A range of measures are to be introduced to support these strategies, changes that will once again make the Territory a leader in effective tobacco control and harm minimisation strategies are in place.

The amendments are set to commence 1 July 2019. For more information go to https://health.nt.gov.au/professionals/alcohol-and-other-drugs-health-professionals/tobacco

Quotes from the Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“Territorians want and deserve strong and contemporary health legislation.

“The intent of this legislation is to regulate and not prohibit electronic cigarettes - we are introducing a sensible and achievable level of regulation that will protect children and provides a precautionary approach.

“These changes support Territorians who want to use e-cigarettes to stop smoking cigarettes and in turn reduce community exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.”

Media Contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689