E-cigarette freedoms go up in smoke in Qld

Queensland e-cigarette users will soon see the freedoms they enjoy over traditional smokers turn to ash.

The Queensland government will become the first Australian state to subject e-cigarette users to the same laws for people who puff on regular cigarettes.

The amendments to the tobacco act will become effective from January 1, 2015, ensuring restrictions on regular cigarettes, such as not smoking in public areas, will apply to their electronic counterparts.

Cancer Council Queensland chief executive Jeff Dunn says the amendments follow his organisation's lobbying for tough regulation of the sale and use of e-cigarettes.

"E-cigarettes are a significant threat to public health - no e-cigarette has been tested for quality, safety or performance by the Therapeutic Goods Administration," Professor Dunn said.

"The liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes is currently illegal in Australia and has not been deemed safe for use by medical experts and health authorities.

"These new laws are an important step toward a smoke-free future, and another great step in ensuring the health and safety of Queenslanders in their local communities."

The laws will prevent e-cigarettes being sold to children, ban their use in indoor or outdoor public places and ensure no promotion or advertisement of the products in retail outlets.