The Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP, has moved a motion in the House of Representatives this week, condemning an Inquiry being held by the Senate.

The Senate Select Committee on Tobacco Harm Reduction’s inquiry has been labelled as “superfluous” by the veteran medical practitioner, who is concerned the inquiry is being held at the bequest of tobacco companies.

“There is a rotten smell in this building and it smells like big tobacco,” said Dr Mike Freelander MP.

The Member for Macarthur and paediatrician raised concerns about the legitimacy of the inquiry, pointing out that the House of Representatives had only recently finished its own Inquiry into the use and marketing of electronic cigarettes and personal vaporisers in Australia.

“I am concerned that this new inquiry is a thinly-veiled attempt from big tobacco companies to push their agenda upon our Parliament,” said Dr Freelander.

“Our Inquiry was extensive and fair. We received well over 300 submissions and consulted widely to get the appropriate expertise.

“The Committee did not find that personal vaporisers and e-cigarettes ought to be de-regulated, and now we have the Senate holding an investigation into the exact same thing.

“The Therapeutic Goods Administration and National Health and Medical Research Council are best-placed to consider the regulation of these products – not members of the Australian Senate at the bequest of big tobacco.

“It is worth noting that the jury is still out of the potential benefits of these products.

“I for one am concerned that these products inappropriately target young people. Why else would they be marketed with enticing flavours like ice watermelon and strawberry daiquiri?

“We need to call this out for what it is – a blatant attempt from big tobacco to push their agenda upon this Parliament, and a failure of the Coalition Government to stand up against this.