Aust 'hermit kingdom' over e-cigarette ban

Australia is at risk of becoming a "hermit kingdom" after it was beaten on legalising nicotine e-cigarettes by New Zealand, a crossbench senator says.

Australia is at risk of becoming a "hermit kingdom" having been beaten by New Zealand when it comes to legalising nicotine e-cigarettes, Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm warns.

New Zealand on Wednesday announced it would legalise nicotine e-cigarettes, days after Australia's medicines regulator rejected an application to do the same.

"This is yet another example of Australia being left behind on very basic issues of personal choice," Senator Leyonhjelm said.

"Whether it's the freedom-to-marry, tax reform and now the legalisation of e-cigarettes containing nicotine - our neighbours are roaring ahead on freedom.

"Forget about a banana republic. Australia is at risk of becoming the hermit kingdom of the Asia-Pacific".

Senator Leyonhjelm is seeking to amend legislation currently before the Senate to legalise nicotine e-cigarettes.


Share

1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world