The Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler took the opportunity to meet with an Ulladulla pharmacist to discuss the government’s new vaping laws and the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement recently signed by the Albanese Government during a visit to the region with Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips.

Minister Butler and Mrs Phillips caught up with Ulladulla pharmacist Jeff Soo, from the Beachside Pharmacy, who has welcomed the Federal Government’s new vaping laws.

The laws for the regulation of e-cigarettes will protect the health of the community, particularly young people. From 1 July 2024, vapes will only be available at pharmacies to help people quit smoking or manage their nicotine dependence.

Mrs Phillips said it was now illegal for retailers, such as tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores, to sell any type of vape whether it has nicotine or not.

“The use of vapes has increased rapidly in recent years, particularly among young people, which is very concerning,” she said.

Until 30 September 2024, everyone needs a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner to purchase nicotine vapes from a pharmacy.

From 1 October 2024, people 18 years or over will be able to purchase therapeutic vapes directly from a pharmacy without a prescription. 

"I believe pharmacies can play a positive part in trying to reduce and control vape use," Mr Soo said.

"The main challenge will be helping people deal with addiction, overuse and withdrawal from the products.”

Mrs Phillips and Minister Butler spoke to Mr Soo about how pharmacies are playing a bigger role in health care.

“Community pharmacies play a vital role in our communities. They’re there when you need them for trusted things like scripts, advice, vaccinations and much more,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Recently the Albanese Government signed the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement which is supporting our local pharmacies and delivering cheaper medicines from 1 July.

“From 1 July, for the next five years, we’re freezing the PBS co-payment at $7.70 which will provide some relief for pensioners and concession card holders. We’re also freezing the maximum PBS price of a script for the next 12 months.”

Mrs Phillips said, already patients in Gilmore had saved just over $2 million from cheaper medicines.

“I particularly love seeing the Shingrix (Shingles) vaccination added to the National Immunisation Program for people aged 65 years and older, and it’s great that the National Immunisation Program is now available to pharmacies,” she added.

Minister Butler also visited the South-Eastern Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic in Milton, Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and headspace Batemans Bay during his visit to the Gilmore electorate on Tuesday.

Photos: Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler and Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips met with pharmacist Jeff Soo at the team at Ulladulla’s Beachside Pharmacy on Tuesday.

MEDIA CONTACT: Katrina Condie: 0437 662 967