Baldivis MLC pushes for vape nation

Aaron Stonehouse wants to legalise vaping in Western Australia.

Legalise Vaping Australia, a campaign organised by the Australian Taxpayers' Alliance, has chosen Liberal Democratic Party member in the South Metropolitan Region Aaron Stonehouse MLC, as its WA Spokesperson.

The campaign is looking for 50,000 signatures in support of the legalisation of vaping, with Mr Stonehouse to present a signed petition to Parliament by the end of 2018.

“Western Australia wants change. The sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine is legal in practically every other country in the developed world, and it’s time that Australia caught up,” Mr Stonehouse said.

Mr Stonehouse said the campaign is calling on the State Government to legalise the sale of e-cigarettes and legalise the sale of e-liquids containing nicotine and their use in any area where smoking is not restricted. 

“Vaping is not harmless, but it is 95% per cent less harmful than smoking cigarettes, so if cigarettes are legal, then it stands to reason that e-cigarettes should be as well," he said. 

“Nobody is saying that we should encourage non-smokers to vape. But, as it stands, our laws are preventing smokers from transitioning to a less harmful product, and that is dooming them to die."

The campaign was launched on Thursday at Fiona Stanley Hospital with other prominent backers of the cause, including Director at the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association Dr. Joe Kosterich, Liberal Democrats Candidate for Fremantle John Gray, and owner of Relentless Vapours Clara Alford.

Mr Stonehouse said other activities which are not 100 per cent safe are regularly endorsed by the McGowan Government, including driving a car, swimming at the beach and drinking alcohol.

“Imagine going to the Government and saying, ‘I would like to sell a product that does not kill my customers," he said.

"Vape vendors like Clara Alford at Relentless Vapours do that practically every day, and yet, the Government says no.

“We need to move away from this cancerous mindset that something should be illegal unless a bureaucrat tells us that it’s safe. Personal choice should be the default position of every Australian."

A recent poll by ReachTEL found 69 per cent of respondents in the Perth and Fremantle electorates supported the legalisation of vaping. 

“I’m buoyed by the results of recent polling which suggests that more and more Australians want the Government to butt out of their lives, and to legalise vaping," Mr Stonehouse said. 

“I’m really excited to have partnered with the ATA, and to have been named as the WA Spokesperson for Legalise Vaping Australia.

“My plan is to hit the streets over the next couple of months and to speak with regular people about our petition. I also plan to speak with the leaders of major and minor parties about supporting our coalition for change."